The sound of helicopters pierced the quietness of Dorothea Dix’s land Thursday afternoon as the Army ROTC Wolfpack Battalion performed aerial training. According to Major Jeff Robertson the purpose of the exercise was to teach cadets about army aviation.

On display were two Black Hawk helicopters, a military transport helicopter and one Apache attack helicopter.

Cadets got the opportunity to ride in the Black Hawks for about ten minutes and fly a short simulated mission. They also got the opportunity to talk with the pilot of the Apache. Many cadets said they enjoyed the experience.

Kelly Mabry, a sophomore in psychology, said her favorite part of the exercise was taking off.

“Whenever we would do the turns, it reminded me of airborne school,” Mabry said. “It made me want to go to air assault school.”

Major Ed Wallace, a professor of military science, said the event “provided a good opportunity for the cadets to see these helicopters close up.”

The event was run with the help of the N.C. National Guard which provided the helicopters and crew. Sergeant First Class McEachin, of the National Guard, said the event was a good way to give the cadets experience with some of the aircraft they could be working with in the future.

For Kathrine Schaefer, a freshman in civil engineering, the event had a special meaning.

“My brother is a Black Hawk crew chief — it was fun to learn what he gets to do everyday,” Schaefer said.