Sunday, May 18, 2014

Civil Air Patrol cadets attend recent Wing Glider Program

Civil Air Patrol cadets from Smyrna Squadron TN005 explored aviation through the CAP Tennessee Wing Glider Program on May 3.

Five cadets ages 12-18 and one senior member travelled to Tullahoma to explore glider aviation training onboard the Civil Air Patrols two unpowered gliders.

Upon arrival cadets were briefed by the Wing Glider program officer CAP/Maj. Ralph Bard, who provided instruction on proper wing walking procedures, and introduced the flight areas to be utilized in the full day of glider training.

After the briefing cadets were taken to the aircraft hangar where they met their flight instructor and national champion glider pilot, Leo Benetti. The team walked with the aircraft as it was towed the one-fourth mile to runway 18 at the Tullahoma Airport.

There the glider was setup to be towed by the Civil Air Patrol’s Cessna 182. Each cadet received a minimum of two sorties and one hour of introduction to glider piloting. Cadets who display interest may further pursue their glider pilot rating. The cadets from the Smyrna CAP Squadron flew the entire day, 12 hours and 16 flights total.

Civil Air Patrol is the Air Force Youth Auxiliary, with more than 60,000 members nationwide. CAP flies over 80 percent of First Air Force missions, and cadets participate in the three core missions of CAP, Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs.

Our many thanks goes out to Major Bard and Lt Benetti for their dedication to the Tennessee Civil Air Patrol Glider aviation program. This is a pinnacle activity for the cadets and some are planning to achieve glider pilot rating. The Smyrna Civil Air Patrol Squadron meets weekly at Stones River Baptist Church in Smyrna. 

For more information visit http://sertn005.shutterfly.com.

Source:  http://www.murfreesboropost.com


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