Red Tail Cadets Begin Flight Training at Elite Aviation

By Carmelo Turdo

The Red Tail Cadets began the flight training phase of their program June 14 at Elite Aviation, and since then they have completed six sessions thus far in their pursuit of a solo flight opportunity later this summer. The six high school students from the Ferguson-Florissant School District were inducted into the first class of the Red Tail Cadet Program during a ceremony held on March 22, marking the culmination of the selection process. The program will provide the means for these students to explore the aviation field as a part of their overall Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. It is hoped that this program will be launched in cities across the country in the future.

The Red Tail Cadet Program Class of 2021 (L-R):

Boric Alogavi, McCluer HS Junior; Jayden Bush, McCluer HS Junior; Jessica Conner, The Innovation School Sophomore; Timothy Olmsted, McCluer HS ROTC Junior; Derreck Beal, STEAM Academy MSB Sophomore; and Adam Puder, STEAM Academy MSB Junior.

 

The Red Tail Cadet Program is a cooperative effort by the Ferguson-Florissant School District, The Crossing Church, and Elite Aviation among other sponsors to use aviation as a pathway to a STEM career. The inspiration for the program comes from its namesake, the Red Tails of the 332nd Fighter Group, the first all-black military pilot unit that formed during World War II and popularly known today as the Tuskegee Airmen. The same drive and talent that made the Tuskegee Airmen legendary in war and in peace can be applied by these students in pursuit of their own future goals while participating in the Red Tail Cadet Program.

The Red Tail Cadets meet at Elite Aviation Monday through Wednesday - flying in the morning and taking part in other activities in the afternoon. The Cadets meet with aviation industry and business professionals, receive motivational messages and life skills training and go on field trips. Support from the school district and local business sponsors has been essential for the current success of the program.

Here we feature some views from the flight training at Elite Aviation, including a briefing on aircraft systems in the maintenance hangar and a presentation by Yolandea Wood, USAF Major (Ret.), President of the Hugh J. White Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.