Squadron 35, Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol

About Us (cont)

 

Squadron 35 continued operations out of San Fernando Airport throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  Because of the large number of ex-military pilots and the availability of inexpensive, military surplus aircraft, the squadron operated a fleet of 4  to 6 North American T-6 Texans.

In the 50’s and early 60‘s, at the height of the Cold War,  Squadron 35 was assigned the additional responsibility of conducting Airborne Radiological Monitoring for both the military and the civil government in the event of a Nuclear Attack on the West Coast.  Much to everyone’s relief, this particular duty was never carried out other than as a part of local Civil Defense drills and training.  During the early 70’s, the squadron’s  T-6s were replaced by the more fuel efficient and economical Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog.  Many of the old Texans were bid sold to members who organized the Condor Squadron, a T-6 club currently based out of Van Nuys Airport. 

Two major changes occurred in the 1980’s.  First, San Fernando Airport was closed and the squadron took up residence at Whiteman Airport.  The old quonset huts which made up the San Fernando Base facility were sold to the film industry and have been featured in a number of movies.  The second change was that the now veteran Cessna 0-1 Bird Dogs were replaced by a Cessna 182R, affectionately named “The Road Runner“ in honor of the Squadron 35 logo.  

To assist with Disaster Relief Transport Missions, a Cessna 206 was also assigned to Squadron 35.  Both aircraft have averaged in excess of 400 hours per year on training and Emergency Service Missions. 

 

Senior Squadron 35 is acknowledged as one of the most active squadrons within California Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.  Its membership is a cross-section of the people it serves, from lawyers and teachers to electricians, clergy and businessmen.  People dedicated to both a love of aviation, and a desire to apply their talents to service to the nation.