Big Sioux Composite Squadron Commander Earns Pilot License
Big Sioux Squadron Commander, Captain Jacob Roth, earned his Private Pilot License March 31, after dreaming of earning it for years.
“As a cadet, I completed all five of my orientation flights and had an incredible time on each one,” said Roth. “After turning 18, I began training as a CAP aircrew member and eventually earned my Mission Scanner and Mission Observer qualifications. Even when I wasn’t at the controls, I learned so much just by observing the pilots, and picking up on their techniques and habits.”
In order to earn his private pilot license, Roth completed both a multiple choice exam, as well as a practical flight test, following a minimum of 40 flight hours that included three hours of night flying with an instructor, three hours of cross-country flying with an instructor, and 10 hours of solo flight hours, with at least one of those flights being a solo cross-country flight.
After starting at South Dakota State University as an Aviation major, Roth quickly realized how expensive working towards a private pilot’s license can be. It was then he made the decision to enlist in the Air Force, where he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. While stationed at Ellsworth AFB, Roth continued his CAP journey by transferring to Rushmore Composite Squadron as a senior member, where he continued to maintain his mission aircrew qualifications and mentorship from other CAP pilots.
After serving his time, in 2023 Roth returned to South Dakota State University, where he logged his first flight hour, and other milestones toward achieving a PPL, including his first solo and first solo cross-country.
“After many hours in the sky, and a few weather cancels along the way, I finally earned my Private Pilot’s License! I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my friends, family, and especially my CAP family,” said Roth. “CAP has played a huge role in my success, and I’m thankful for the mentorship I’ve received from CAP pilots who helped me build skills in avionics usage, radio communication, and how to understand weather.”
