Carroll Cadets Soar Over Frederick

Cadet Airmen Tom Dembeck prepares to take his first flight in a glider.

By C/TSgt Tyler Czarnowsky
Public Affairs Team
Posted November 17, 2005
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FREDERICK, Md. -- Civil Air Patrol took over the skies on Saturday, October 15. Ten cadets from the Carroll Composite Squadron got a bird's eye view of Frederick from the cockpit of a Super glider that they each helped pilot.

CAP Maryland Wing is fortunate to own a 2-seater Blanik L-23 Super Glider. This glider is shared between all Maryland squadrons. Sometimes it takes a little patience to wait for your squadron's turn.

For some of these cadets, this was to be their very first non-powered flight. There was a lot of excitement and more than a little apprehension among them.

First on the agenda was the safety briefing from the Air Boss. Each cadet was taught proper safety procedures while operating the glider, both before and during take-off. Getting a glider safely off the ground takes a great deal of teamwork.

Next, the various jobs were explained. Each cadet would have a chance to be a Wing Walker. This job requires the cadet to work with the ground crew to assure a safe take off for the glider. As the name implies, the cadet holds the wing steady as it proceeds down the runway. Each cadet was given the chance to be wing walker on at least one flight. All Cadets worked closely with the trained Senior Staff. Each cadet learned the proper hand signals and movements needed for take-off.

Finally it was time for the first glider flight to lift off. Cadet airman Thomas Dembeck was the first in the air. This also was his first Glider flight. As the glider taxied down the runway, Cadet staff sergeant Tyler Czarnowsky steadied the glider for lift off. Soon it was airborne. All the cadets watched as the glider climbed into the sky. Finally the tow plane released the glider and it soared through the sky.

After his flight Cadet Dembeck commented, "It was awesome! I couldn't have asked for a better first flight. It was amazing when the strong headwinds made it seem like the glider wasn't even moving!"

Each cadet then watched and waited for their turn to soar. Cadet airman Chris Brandt was more than a little apprehensive about climbing into that glider. However, after his flight he commented, "I felt it was going to be scary but it was actually very awesome. The best part was when you got to do the circle in the air!" Another new glider pilot in the making!

The weather was perfect for Carroll's first glider flights of 2005. The cadets were treated to a non-stop view of Frederick and surrounding areas that few get to enjoy. More than one cadet got to experience the perfect thermal that sends the glider to amazing heights. Every cadet present helped to make this day so successful.

Several of Carroll's Cadets had previously attended the Maryland Wing Aerospace Academy during the summer. This camp, held in Frederick, is offered to CAP members once a year and includes several glider flights. You may also get the chance to ride in a C-130 cargo plane and perhaps even a Black hawk Helicopter!

Civil Air Patrol also offers a National Glider Academy where you live and breath gliders for a full week. Carroll's own Cadet first lieutenant Zach Bowen attended this Academy during the summer. He provided pre-flight training for his fellow cadets and said, "It's fun to see other cadets get their first flight in a glider, but helping them get there is even better."

Civil Air Patrol, the official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is a civilian, volunteer, nonprofit, service organization. CAP's cadet programs provide young men and women with a safe and motivating environment in which to grow and explore opportunities in the military and aviation industries. Cadets progress through a 16-step program of leadership and aerospace education.

The Carroll Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings at Winters Mill High School on Gorsuch Road in Westminster. Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. More information can be found at www.carrollcap.org.

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