Loading the glider back into its trailer, to fly another day, to soar again...
Congratulations to C/1LT Niswender, who completed her first
solo in Colorado Wing's ASK-21 Sailplane, N221CP on Sunday, September 9, 2001 at Colorado Soaring Association's Owl Canyon Gliderport. 17 year
old Niswender has been working for over a year on her piloting skills and qualifications toward her glider solo flight(s). She accomplished
her flight training on her own, as she attended CAP encampments during the times of CAP flight academy.
Cadet Niswender completed three solo flights in the ASK-21. The first two were in the local gliderport environment, which qualified her for
the Soaring Society of America's "A" (Solo) badge. The third flight was for one hour and 34 minutes, which qualified her for the SSA "B"
(Duration) badge, for completing a solo flight of over 30 minutes duration.
The ASK-21 is considered a medium performance sailplane, with a 33:1 glide ratio. Usually, a Schweitzer 2-33, trainer is used, which has a
much lesser glide ratio and is easier to fly. Cadet Niswender has the distinction of having only, ever, flown the ASK-21 sailplane. This
means that she is the FIRST CAP cadet in the NATION to have gone from first flight through solo totally in the ASK-21. With some more work,
she may be the first CAP cadet to complete her training from first flight to private pilot certificate in the ASK-21. Keep focused!
C/Niswender is also the Cadet Commander for the Thompson Valley
Composite Squadron.
Her instructor is Lt Col Jer/ Eberhard, Civil Air Patrol, Colorado Wing, Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, RMR-CO-147, who instructs in
airplanes, seaplanes and gliders.
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The sign-off and logbook entries, ready for solo! | |
The fun part is practicing "boxing the wake". |
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C/Niswender straps in... | |
Soaring with the eagles... |
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Inspecting the weak link. | |
The only thing more fun than flying is talking about flying! |
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Thumbs up, ready to fly! | |
Jer/ explains dog-fighting oops "advanced aerodynamics" (we can do 60° of bank in the glider!) |
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Tow line hooked up... | |
relaxing in the... |
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picking up speed... | |
"Colo. Soaring Assn. Club Haus" |
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Takeoff on tow accomplished! | |
Reflections on a wonderful day...
Loading the glider back into its trailer, to fly another day, to soar again... |
C/Dietz looks sharp in her Air Force uniform!! Go Get 'Em!
Special Thanks to: Debbie Hines for taking photos, Jennifer Gerckens for scanning them in, Jer/ for donating his time and CFI experience!