Stevens Point, WI - This spring, Cadet 2d Lt Steven Lang set a goal for himself--to achieve solo flight before the end of the summer.  On Monday, July 21, he met that goal, as his mother Pamela Lang and squadron commander Maj. Virginia Suarino watched at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport.

Lang, Cadet Commander for the Stevens Point Composite Squadron, started flight training July 9, 2008 in N910CP with Captain John Thompson, also of the Stevens Point Composite Squadron.  

Thompson, who has served as Chief Flight Instructor at the CAP National Flight Academy the past two years, had the honor of pinning solo wings on Cadet Lang at the squadron meeting held July 21.

The solo flight is a major milestone in pilot training. To accomplish it, a student typically flies the aircraft for three take offs and landings without an instructor aboard.

Cadet Lang, of Marshfield, WI, is also the son of Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kevin Lang, who is currently serving as Deputy Commander of Cadets and Cadet Programs Officer for the squadron.

Cadet Lang hopes to someday use his pilot's license in doing medical missionary work. He has plans to attend the Air Force Academy and also become a doctor.

---