Civil Air Patrol Glider Program

New CAP Glider Homeland Security Mission for our L-23s Silent Para-drops Once over the drop zone a sharp pull on the spoiler ejects the paratrooper exactly on target.

SGS 2-33 – 25 SGS 2-32 – 1 SGS 2-22 – 2 SGS 1-34 – 1 SGS 1-26 – 3 ASK-21 – 5 Blanik L-13 – 1 Blanik L-23 –22 Blanik L-33 –1 Present = 61 Future Goal = 101 CAP Glider Fleet

The Glider Program Program Exists For Cadets Program Activity (Fiscal Year 2003) 2 Natl. Glider Encampments 3 Wing Glider Encampments Hundreds of Orientation Flights 3356 Flights Reported (FY 99) 5582 Flights Reported in FY Flights Reported in FY Flights Reported in FY Flights Reported in FY 2003

CAP Glider Activity 1995 Glider activity2004 Glider Activity

Partnerships Developed in conjunction with Available as an on-line course from SSF and CAP. Tow Pilot Course – 350 trained yearly Wing Runner Course – 900 trained yearly SSF Video CD The Assembly – The Take Off Standard American Soaring Signals

Partnerships Developed the SSF Soaring Video CD with permission of the SSF Board of Trustees. An auto start CD containing all three SSF videos, available to all CAP Soaring participants.

Partnerships Strong relationship with the Dennis Wright, SSA Executive Director visited CAP Headquarters. Opportunities for in kind support was discussed. CAP Glider Operations continue to enjoy mutually beneficial relationships with SAA affiliate clubs.

USAF Academy gliders obtained and delivered. Visited the USAFA academy as part of a safety working group for the USAFA glider program. USAFA Chief of Glider Training and Active Duty Instructor Pilot visited and participated in the Rome, GA National Glider Academy. Partnerships

Tow Pilot qual training, SGS 2-33A CFI pilot (79) and student pilot (54) 4 tows to 1000’agl – steep turn / slow flight 2-3 miles from airfield-??? Crosswind 11G18 Experienced downdraft (sink) while returning Landed in a soft, newly plowed field Nose skid and right wing dug-in to the dirt Right wing was broken NTSB Probable Cause – Downdraft (sink) and unsuitable terrain CAP Glider Accident

Repair money is drying up. Glider will probably remain wingless for some time.

Glider Acquisition & Modernization 2001 National Board voted the Blanik L-23 CAP Glider of choice. Continue to purchase Blanik L-23s as needed to support DEMONSTRATED NEED.

Glider Acquisition & Modernization DEMONSTRATED NEED Activity on the CAP On-line Reporting System using member furnished Equipment (50 glider sorties in 6 month period.) A statement of intended support via a written request from the requesting Wing/CC. Willingness of the Wing Commander to equip existing CAP corporate airplanes with tow equipment and to dedicate said airplane in support of the glider program. The appointment of Wing Glider Program Manager with a strong SSA background. HQ contact with the Wing Glider Program Manager.

MT TOW PLANE Will take the program to a higher level. Cowling modification. TOST reel system. The Glider Program

U.S. Air Force Relationship 1995: Original law and AF directives written in such a manner that left the glider program in question. 1995: Spin up of the Glider Program CAP asked for a CAP-USAF Judge Advocate opinion in the use of appropriated dollars. Opinion favorable. 2002: CAP-USAF Judge Advocate questioned the legality of the CAP glider program. 2002: First denial of liability coverage from the Air Force legal community. (NM Tow Plane accident) 2003: USAF Air Staff lawyers tell Senior AF leadership the Glider Program is not an Air Force Authorized mission. Leadership sends letter that puts the glider program under “C” mission status which denies the use of appropriated dollars for operations and maintenance. 2004: CAP corporation picks up orientation flight funding and major maintenance for FY : ??? FY 2005 Funds may or may not be available. Some glimmer of hope that AF leadership will find a way to allow the program to use appropriated dollars.

Ideas for Corporate Ops IDEAS?? We have to think creatively. Local and National Support – Corporate, Foundation, etc. Fund Raising for minor maintenance costs. (Annual, new tow rings & ropes, etc.) Ground Launch? Set-up for cadet flight training. Consider senior member add-on training for a fee.

Communication Glider List Server Must have a CAP ID to join. Posted messages will be transmitted to all Glider List Server Members.