Assisted In Establishment Of An FAA-Approved Heliport In Manatee County, FL

Cadets from the Sarasota (FL) Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) made a presentation at the opening business meeting of the 2015 Helicopter Association International (HAI) Heli-Expo, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Cadet Second Lieutenant Jonathan Banks and Cadet Master Sergeant Gabrielle McCoy, both students at Manatee High School and members of the SRQ Composite Squadron of CAP, represented the cadets in presenting the process they went through in helping Manatee County establish a FAA-approved heliport at the county's state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The design of the heliport, which took more than two years to complete, gave cadets real-world experience as they defined the "design helicopter," evaluated the heliport site at the EOC using surveying equipment and FAA heliport guidelines and standards, researched and evaluated four surrounding landing zone locations, prepared the heliport design, filed the required FAA documents, and prepared the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) documents for the EOC. Field trips to survey and evaluate landing zone locations included those used by Palmetto Mosquito Control, State College of Florida, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and east Manatee County Myakka City Fire Department.

Speaking of the experience, McCoy said, "I learned you really can use algebra outside of school."

Banks, a five-year member of CAP and cadet squadron commander, recently received an appointment to the Air Force Academy. "I couldn't be more proud of our squadron," he said. He added that CAP has afforded him many opportunities and allowed him to meet fascinating people. "I've had experiences that most teenagers will never get to have."

Senior CAP member, Captain Gary Stevens, who has an extensive background in rotary and fixed wing aircraft and emergency management, conceived the project as an educational experience for the cadets. Stevens said, "The project fit the core values of CAP of Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and the Cadet Program, and offered the added bonus of providing a real community service." The heliport, which could serve the community during a natural disaster, was dedicated on December 6, 2014.

Matt Zuccaro, President and CEO of HAI and a former CAP cadet, said, "This project represents something good and innovative, and highlights young people and our future."

Following the morning presentation, the 20 cadets and senior members from the Sarasota squadron toured the HAI Heli-Expo, the largest trade show dedicated to the helicopter industry, attracting more than 20,000 attendees from around the world and featuring more than 700 exhibitors in a million-square-foot exhibition hall. In addition to viewing the most advanced helicopters on the market, they had the opportunity to meet legendary Red Bull stunt helicopter pilot Chuck Aaron.

(Images provided by CAP Sarasota Squadron)

FMI: www.capsrq044.com, www.gocivilairpatrol.com