Aero Club adds Liberty to its fleet

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander, took to the skies with one of Kadena Aero Club's brand new aircraft, the Liberty XL2, for its maiden flight March 3.

Aero Club officials have been working for some time to purchase a modern aircraft to augment their current fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft and felt the Liberty would be a perfect fit. According to Scott Mase, Kadena Aero Club manager, these aircraft are a welcome addition to the fleet.

"The Liberty XL2 is a lightweight, single-engine, two-seater, composite aircraft that burns very little fuel," Mr. Mase said. "It's a very stable aircraft and has a very powerful engine. The Liberty is also a low-winged aircraft so it's a little different from the Cessna."

The differences between the Liberty and the Cessna extend beyond the placement of the wings. A wrap-around canopy treats pilots to a panoramic view and steering is conducted with a stick versus the Cessna's yolk, giving the aircraft that fighter feel. With these features the aircraft was bound to be noticed.

"At first people didn't even know we were here, but since we got the Liberty, people noticed it as they drove by and came and asked us questions," said Mr. Mase. "We definitely got an increase in membership because of this aircraft."

"I've been a member of the Aero Club since I was 17 years old [although] I've never been a member of a club with a brand new airplane," General Wilsbach added. "This is quite a tremendous privilege. The airplane flies great; it's very responsive and features state-of-the-art global positioning system technology. It is much more responsive than the Cessna."

Members who recently signed up with the Aero Club will get the most advanced technology that's available by training on the Liberty XL2, according to Mr. Mase. Those who are halfway through their training with the Cessna will continue to train on that aircraft. Once they've been certified on the Cessna, they can transition to the Liberty to earn their certification on that aircraft.

One advanced-training student who also happens to be the ground school instructor is looking forward to the opportunity to fly the Liberty.

"The Liberty XL2 is a beautiful aircraft," said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Campbell, 18th Dental Squadron superintendent. "Most of us consider the Liberty to be the 'Cadillac' of aircraft. A lot of us can't wait to fly it but we have to get checked out on it first. The Liberty is more in line with sport-flying aircraft and I'm excited about learning to fly it."

The Kadena Aero Club Flight Training Center operates under the Federal Aviation Regulations and is the only overseas center with a Federal Aviation Administration examiner on staff. It is also equipped with an FAA-approved flight simulator for private and instrument training courses. Those interested in flying should contact the Aero Club at 959-5655 for an orientation flight.

"We provide orientation flights for people who are interested in joining the Aero Club so they can become comfortable with the idea of flying and understand the amount of time and money they will invest," Mr. Mase said.

"I started learning how to fly here in 1992 and have been flying ever since," Sergeant Campbell added. "[I have the opportunity] to see the wonders of Okinawa and do something not a lot of people can do which is fly an airplane. Once you get that first flight under your belt you'll be like 'Wow! I can really do this!' All it takes is to get signed up and 40 hours and a few dollars later, you'll be a private pilot."