Second Exposure SUAS Training
Kaimuki, Oahu – On August 28, 2022, from 0900-1200, cadets from the 77th St. Louis Crusaders Composite Squadron (PCR-HI-077) (Hawai‘i Wing) had the privilege of learning about and flying small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). The event was held at the St. Louis High School sports field in Kaimuki.
This event was a significant cadet activity because it was most of the cadet’s first time with hands-on drones. The main purpose of the training was to familiarize cadets with basic SUAS flying methods and the application of utilization in search and rescue scenarios. Cadets started training with two systems: DJP Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic mini 2 for basic stabilization/controls, then they moved on to the Anafi Thermal Parrot system, which utilizes regular/thermal imagery, this introduced a search and rescue aspect of the training, finding lost/ disoriented people by their heat signatures.
Finally, cadets were exposed to First Person View SUAS Flying with Goggles, DJI FPV Drone flew around the training field with speeds of 60 – 90 MPH. A cadet stated, “As someone who has limited knowledge in aerospace, I was ecstatic that I got to try and learn something new” – C/Amn K. Wardlaw. Mahalo to Lieutenant Colonel Green, Major Giles, and Lieutenant Kovalev for blessing the cadets with this opportunity to learn. To view our release please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU6qZ11EBfo
by C/TSGT Jenica Wong, Saint Louis Composite Squadron 077, Hawai’i Wing, Civil Air Patrol
