NJ Wing’s ‘Airworthiness’ Officer Delivers Lift in Aerospace Class

JOINT BASE M-D-L (APR. 28, 2025) – Civil Air Patrol cadets at the Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Composite Squadron recently got an up-close look at the science of flight, thanks to a special aerospace class led by Lt. Col. Michael Castania, the New Jersey Wing’s director of Aerospace Education. Held at the Kish Airman Leadership School, the dynamic session focused on aerospace and aviation, as Lt. Col. Castania introduced cadets to the fundamentals of flight and flight dynamics, blending classroom instruction with real-world demonstration.

The class covered essential principles such as lift, thrust, drag, and weight—the four fundamental forces that govern how aircraft take to the skies and stay aloft. To bring these concepts to life, Lt. Col. Castania shared a captivating video featuring himself and the New Jersey Wing Commander Amy Myzie piloting a glider near Blairstown Airport. The video highlighted how each force plays a role in flight, offering cadets a visual and practical understanding of the concepts discussed.

“The best way to learn about flight is to see it in action,” said Lt. Col. Castania. “By sharing our glider experience, cadets can visualize how these forces interact during different phases of flight—takeoff, soaring, and landing.”

Cadets engaged enthusiastically with the lesson, asking questions and drawing connections between the video demonstration and the science behind flight. The interactive nature of the presentation reflected Lt. Col. Castania’s passion for making aerospace education both accessible and inspiring.

“My goal is to light that spark of curiosity,” Lt. Col. Castania added. “When cadets see themselves as future aviators or aerospace professionals, that’s when education becomes transformation.”

Students between the ages of 12-18, or adults, interested in Civil Air Patrol membership, should reach out to Maj Rob McClellan via email robert.mcclellan@njwg.cap.gov . Or visit GoCivilAirPatrol.com.

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives and shaping futures.

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For More Information:

Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP

(609) 306-0966

Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov