Civil Air PatrolGlider Program

New CAP Glider Homeland Security Mission for our L-

23sSilent Para-dropsSilent Para-drops

Once over the drop zone a sharp pull on the spoiler ejects the paratrooper exactly on target.

SGS 2-33 – 25SGS 2-32 – 1 SGS 2-22 – 2 SGS 1-34 – 1 SGS 1-26 – 3ASK-21 – 5Blanik L-13 – 1 Blanik L-23 –22Blanik 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 Encampments3 Wing Glider EncampmentsHundreds of Orientation Flights3356 Flights Reported (FY 99) 5582 Flights Reported in FY 20007808 Flights Reported in FY 20019091 Flights Reported in FY 20028098 Flights Reported in FY 2003

CAP Glider Activity

1995 Glider activity 2004 Glider Activity

Partnerships Developed in conjunction with

Available as an on-line course from SSF and CAP.

Tow Pilot Course – 350 trained yearlyWing Runner Course – 900 trained yearly

http://www.soaringsafety.org/dl.asp

SSF Video CDThe 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 asneeded to support

DEMONSTRATED NEED.

Glider Acquisition & ModernizationDEMONSTRATED NEED

Activity on the CAP On-line Reporting System using member furnishedEquipment (50 glider sorties in 6 month period.)  A statement of intended support via a written request from the requestingWing/CC. Willingness of the Wing Commander to equip existing CAP corporateairplanes with tow equipment and to dedicate said airplane in support ofthe glider program. The appointment of Wing Glider Program Manager with a strong SSAbackground.  

HQ contact with the Wing Glider Program Manager.

MT-7-235 - 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 04.

2005: ??? 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 OpsIDEAS??

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.

CommunicationGlider List Server

Must have a CAP ID to join.

Posted messages will be transmitted to all Glider List Server Members.