86th FTS welcomes scouts to base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 86th Flying Training Squadron sponsored 50 scouts from Del Rio on base for Laughlin's first Scout Aviation Day June 22.

The day long scout camp offered Boy, Girl and Cub Scouts a chance to see Laughlin's pilot training mission, learn about aviation and discover what makes flight possible.

"I was a scout in the past and wanted to show the next generation what we do here in pilot training," said Capt. Chris Dolby, 86th FTS assistant flight commander. "It was a chance to see the base and spur an interest in aviation."

After arriving at Laughlin, the scouts broke into groups to begin tours of the base and attend classes.

The classes, which were led by members of Team XL, were a unique chance for the scouts to earn merit badges in flight and weather, which historically weren't widely available to the community due to a lack of certified merit badge instructors, said Dolby.

In the classes, instructors covered topics ranging from the principles of aviation, weather and the science and engineering of flight.

"We have the majority of pilots in the area and could easily be certified to teach the scouts and offer them the merit badges that couldn't be found here," he said.

In addition, scouts visited the control tower, radar approach control section and viewed static displays.

"Half of what we covered was to instill a love and desire for aviation in our scouts," Dolby said. "More than that, it's about helping the scouts to be well rounded and flexible in life."

For the parents and guardians, the day brought a greater sense of community between Laughlin and Del Rio, explained Frances Schneider, Pack 222 Den Leader.

"We work together and that's a big part of things," she said. "I hope this continues and gives the scouts more chances to learn."

The scouts in attendance agreed.

"I'm glad we had the chance to come out here to learn and earn our merit badges," said Fabrizio Hernandez, Troop 222. "It was fun and the weather and flight physics were cool."