Civil Air Patrol’s High Desert Squadron is hosting a Glider Orientation Event over Labor Day weekend at the Prineville Airport. Cadets from our local Bend squadron as well as other squadrons throughout the State of Oregon were invited to participate.
The purpose of the event is to familiarize Cadets with the operation of glider aircraft and give them the opportunity to fly in a glider. Cadets first learn about safety—what to do, what not to do and what to be aware of—when around gliders. They then learn about how gliders operate, what makes them fly and the use of glider controls. The cadets will be able to experience flying in a glider, along with an experienced glider pilot.
Cadets who participate in the glider flights often decide to pursue earning their glider pilot certification and may even go on to become a private pilot. For anyone who decides they want to become a pilot, previous glider experience puts them far ahead of the curve, as they will already understand a lot about aviation and how to control a plane in air. Some cadets may be eligible for a glider training scholarship.
CAP personnel will begin setting up the site for the event at the Prineville Airport Friday afternoon. Safety training, ground training and glider rides will be given Saturday and Sunday. In conjunction with the glider event, Cadets will be able to take orientation rides in a powered aircraft, one of CAP’s Cessna aircraft (not the glider tow plane).
During the early part of both mornings we anticipate a hot air balloon to be on-site, giving tethered rides. It is expected to be a rewarding weekend of aviation learning and enjoyment. What a great way to end summer, just before school starts?
Last week at Civil Air Patrol’s National Convention, the Oregon Wing received the National Outstanding Cadet Program award. The award is partly because of great events like this glider flying event and other such events that we are involved in.
For more information about Civil Air Patrol, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or visit the High Desert Squadron’s website at www.caphighdesert.org.
Faye L Phillips, 2Lt, CAP
High Desert Squadron
Public Affairs Officer
541-480-2945
cap.fphillips@bendbroadband.com
U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
gocivilairpatrol.com
http://caphighdesert.org
