Fairfax One Helicopter Pays Visit To Burke Civil Air Patrol Cadets

WEST SPRINGFIELD, VA — The Burke Composite Squadron got an up-close look at the Fairfax County Police helicopter when it landed at Washington Irving Middle School's field last Thursday.

The Burke Composite Squadron, made up of senior members 18 and older and cadets 12 to 18, is one of 22 squadrons in the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, providing members Civil Air Patrol opportunities like search and rescue, flying in Cessna aircraft, cybersecurity, and more.

One of those opportunities is interactions with Fairfax County Police, allowing cadets to learn about search and rescue efforts and the Fairfax One helicopter. The latest visit allowed 40 cadets to get a close look at the helicopter, climb in the seats and receive details from the crew about police and rescue missions.

After about an hour at the middle school field, Fairfax One left for its next mission. But the crew didn't leave without promising to interact with the squadron again and possibly even do a search and rescue exercise.

Given the Civil Air Patrol's focus in aerospace education, Fairfax One's visit was a worthwhile experience for cadets. The squadron's next adventure will be a visit to the U.S. Coast Guard at Reagan National Airport and a tour of Dulles International Airport.

The squadron meets Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Washington Irving Middle School. More information on the squadron or joining can be obtained by emailing VA-130informationgroup@vawg.cap.gov.