CAP: We've got hot Air balloons!
(https://i.postimg.cc/ry9y6kdP/balloon1.jpg)
https://twitter.com/CivilAirPatrol/status/1480162446006317059
Also CAP: Um...yeah...funny story...
"CAP has no national procurement program or funding for hot air balloons. Some wings have had success working with members who own balloons to provide cadet orientation flights and flight training though with these member-furnished assets.
Only 20 CAP members have balloon ratings, with only seven currently qualified, so opportunities are limited, especially since most of those members live in the local areas for CAP's two balloons. The only exceptions are in Georgia."
https://www.cap.news/hot-air-balloon-questions-answered/
Kind of sad, since a new balloon is only $40k, a lot cheaper than a used C-172, you could have a whole fleet of these and they are the definition of low and slow, perfect for all of your AP needs lol. I wonder where in Indiana that balloon is, it's not that far from Michigan that I couldn't take a van of Cadets down for O-flights.
Quote from: Capt Thompson on January 13, 2022, 05:35:10 PM.... perfect for all of your AP needs lol.
AP? Can you circle back so I can get photos of the other side of the building that was damaged? Nope, not unless the winds change. LOL
Quote from: etodd on January 13, 2022, 05:44:31 PMQuote from: Capt Thompson on January 13, 2022, 05:35:10 PM.... perfect for all of your AP needs lol.
AP? Can you circle back so I can get photos of the other side of the building that was damaged? Nope, not unless the winds change. LOL
I have to agree with the sentiment here. Balloons being used for disaster photography probably just isn't feasible. It's not convenient to launch nor to recover from the landing site. It's great if you want to take photos of large landscape and scenic features, but not really in the sense of needing to photograph a very specific feature in a rapid time frame.
I think balloons are awing for many people due to their size, colors, and uniqueness. It's an exciting opportunity and a relaxing experience. People in the air are stunned. People on the ground are impressed. But let's face it: they're not feasible for emergency services and homeland security mission purposes.
Modern day ballooning is really an homage to the late 18-th century, and they've really served as a capture for "better times." It's a "see the world from up here" thing. It's the aerial equivalent of taking your bass boat out onto a reservoir lake. For practical purposes, there's almost no correlation to airplane flight and nearly no practical purpose beyond sight-seeing, an investment that really no community response or emergency mission-focused organization (law enforcement, the Air Force, CAP, etc.) is going to fund on a grand scale.
If we really want to market a practical application of balloons, research ballooning is a fantastic subject that is widely applicable to our aerospace/STEM outreach.
They are neat enough, I guess, for what they are, but essentially useless as a marketing tool.
You generally can't even inflate them as a static display at an airshow, and even the
times I've tried to bring the basket for display the push back was...remarkable.
This is one of a dozen different things CAP markets as a capability, and few members
will ever see it in person, let alone ride in one.
It would be interesting to know who called this out enough to have to post what is essentially
a "nevermind" follow-up article, worse that it's on the public facing news site.
My guess is it was a slow news day, someone realized they hadn't posted in a while and they needed filler.
Quote from: Capt Thompson on January 13, 2022, 06:34:34 PMMy guess is it was a slow news day, someone realized they hadn't posted in a while and they needed filler.
I disagree.
First of all, people tend to post what they find interesting in the moment, particularly when a PR/PA team is made up of a group who has the ability to log on and share an interest item. Often times, too, there's a discussion in the background where someone says, "Hey, we need to get this shared on Facebook. Can you post it?" "Sure." (*posts*)
The balloon program has continued to be a hot topic for a lot of people. There's been talk about bringing one to my area as a third HAB for CAP. It sounds exciting in the moment. But when you take the time to talk about it, you're like "Hmmmm...I guess I don't really see the practicality of it after all."
This thread actually reminds me of a senior center/nursing home nearby (no, we're not making fun of the old guys, today...I promise). They've been running a bunch of advertisements on TV, though, showing off their dining room, exercise room, water aerobics, social night, swimming pool, day care center, rehab facility, pool... Wait a second. If you actually go there, the pool is only open
one day a month. And people are really peeved about it, especially when they find that out after they moved in. Then they learn it's not free swim but class only.
So consider that as the thought point here: You're showing me all of these things that I get to do, but it's only available on a rare basis and really only to a select handful. We don't all get to do it as members.
It's kind of like how amped up everyone is about getting to do nighttime HALO jumps, and then they sign on the line, and they're land-based structural maintenance for the MOS/SC. Fly high, guys.
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on January 13, 2022, 06:47:00 PMQuote from: Capt Thompson on January 13, 2022, 06:34:34 PMMy guess is it was a slow news day, someone realized they hadn't posted in a while and they needed filler.
I disagree.
First of all, people tend to post what they find interesting in the moment, particularly when a PR/PA team is made up of a group who has the ability to log on and share an interest item. Often times, too, there's a discussion in the background where someone says, "Hey, we need to get this shared on Facebook. Can you post it?" "Sure." (*posts*)
The balloon program has continued to be a hot topic for a lot of people. There's been talk about bringing one to my area as a third HAB for CAP. It sounds exciting in the moment. But when you take the time to talk about it, you're like "Hmmmm...I guess I don't really see the practicality of it after all."
This thread actually reminds me of a senior center/nursing home nearby (no, we're not making fun of the old guys, today...I promise). They've been running a bunch of advertisements on TV, though, showing off their dining room, exercise room, water aerobics, social night, swimming pool, day care center, rehab facility, pool... Wait a second. If you actually go there, the pool is only open one day a month. And people are really peeved about it, especially when they find that out after they moved in. Then they learn it's not free swim but class only.
So consider that as the thought point here: You're showing me all of these things that I get to do, but it's only available on a rare basis and really only to a select handful. We don't all get to do it as members.
It's kind of like how amped up everyone is about getting to do nighttime HALO jumps, and then they sign on the line, and they're land-based structural maintenance for the MOS/SC. Fly high, guys.
I definitely joined for the night time HALO jumps, out of a HAB, still waiting.....
It goes back to selling the program we run, not the shiny one we want everyone to think we run. WIWAC I was told about a lot of different things that didn't actually exist. I still found enough value in the program without them to stay, and have benefited immensely from the experiences I've gained, but others who joined specifically for those non-existent programs didn't stick around.
If I was a huge balloon enthusiast, and joined because of that post thinking I'd get flights in a balloon, I'd be pretty upset to find out we only have 2 balloons and 7 qualified pilots, and the likelihood of a flight was slim to none.
Quote from: Capt Thompson on January 13, 2022, 07:02:28 PMIt goes back to selling the program we run, not the shiny one we want everyone to think we run.
Magnetic signs on the borrowed Hummer.
Aircraft flown 3 hours to an airshow in an area that hasn't otherwise seen a plane in 5 years.
Olympic videos.
Tot...
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on January 13, 2022, 06:47:00 PMSo consider that as the thought point here: You're showing me all of these things that I get to do, but it's only available on a rare basis and really only to a select handful. We don't all get to do it as members.
National Radar Analysis Team, National Cell Phone Forensics Team ...
Perhaps we should do a different kind of "ballooning".
(https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/amv-prod-cad-assets/images/media/581021/goodyear-blimp-zeppelin-photo-581066-s-986x603.jpg?fill=2:1&resize=980:*)
How to park a Blimp! (https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15365576/how-to-park-a-blimp-zeppelin-docking-goodyears-massive-airship/)
And before you say something, I'm being serious.
(https://www.israel21c.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ATLANT_Red_Cross_view.jpg)
Israel 21 luxury helium lifted Airships. (https://www.israel21c.org/a-ride-in-a-luxury-helium-lifted-airship-is-in-your-future/)
Quote from: Shuman 14 on January 13, 2022, 08:44:10 PMAnd before you say something, I'm being serious.
(https://www.israel21c.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ATLANT_Red_Cross_view.jpg)
Israel 21 luxury helium lifted Airships. (https://www.israel21c.org/a-ride-in-a-luxury-helium-lifted-airship-is-in-your-future/)
It would be more in line with our normal aviation activities than a balloon, I imagine this one's a bit pricier though.
And another New (old) Badge for the Uniform:
(https://dygtyjqp7pi0m.cloudfront.net/i/9691/10547490_1.jpg?v=8CDD40D7E124D60)
Quote from: Capt Thompson on January 13, 2022, 08:46:50 PMIt would be more in line with our normal aviation activities than a balloon, I imagine this one's a bit pricier though.
I agree but it would be a great SAR, AP, ES response aircraft. Also, people can miss the CAP markings on a little plane that is circling overhead.
No one will miss a CAP branded Airship that drops in food, water, flotation devices, blankets, etc. during a disaster.
Hanger space of course will be a problem.
Emergency!!!
"We have to launch...where's the helium?!?"
18 cadets in unison, sounding like a chipmunk choir: "No idea sir!"
Quote from: Eclipse on January 13, 2022, 08:53:29 PMEmergency!!!
"We have to launch...where's the helium?!?"
18 cadets in unison, sounding like a chipmunk choir: "No idea sir!"
Finally something righteous!
For you Eclipse!
I for one think we absolutely need to add fam hops for cadets to do blimp recognition. The consequences of misidentification of a combat blimp are severe. The enemy is busy building up their battle blimp fleets and so should we. We CANNOT AFFORD A BLIMP GAP.
So say we all?
So say we all.
V/r
Lt Col Spam
Had to laugh at the idea of a AP flight with a balloon. Our last Wing SAREX in MD Wing was based out of Ocean City. Hmm, launch the balloon, then have to fly a rescue mission for the balloon crew as it heads for Europe.
That said, I have not seen ANY marketing by CAP.
I found CAP many years ago from the Cliff Robertson TV commercial. With all the cable channels, some TV advertising (like during coverage of Red Bull air races) might be worthwhile.
Quote from: Spam on January 13, 2022, 11:27:21 PMI for one think we absolutely need to add fam hops for cadets to do blimp recognition. The consequences of misidentification of a combat blimp are severe. The enemy is busy building up their battle blimp fleets and so should we. We CANNOT AFFORD A BLIMP GAP.
So say we all?
So say we all.
V/r
Lt Col Spam
I think I found your "battle blimp". Good thing the Brits are on our side. ;-P
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/82/09/b9/8209b90e0fcf01f77e7e5b58213def1f.jpg)
Quote from: Eclipse on January 13, 2022, 08:53:29 PMEmergency!!!
"We have to launch...where's the helium?!?"
18 cadets in unison, sounding like a chipmunk choir: "No idea sir!"
Nevermind...Plan B. We'll use Hydrogen instead.
Quote from: Crashaxe on March 24, 2022, 04:28:18 PMNevermind...Plan B. We'll use Hydrogen instead.
Well, that will go over like a lead zeppelin. (Pun intended)
Quote from: Shuman 14 on March 24, 2022, 04:44:14 PMQuote from: Crashaxe on March 24, 2022, 04:28:18 PMNevermind...Plan B. We'll use Hydrogen instead.
Well, that will go over like a lead zeppelin. (Pun intended)
Okay, how about a Led Zeppelin?
:-)
Quote from: PHall on March 24, 2022, 06:25:28 PMOkay, how about a Led Zeppelin?
:-)
QuoteAh-ah, ah!
Ah-ah, ah!
We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow
The hammer of the gods
Will drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, sing and cry
Valhalla, I am coming
On we sweep with threshing oar
Our only goal will be the western shore
Ah-ah, ah!
Ah-ah, ah!
We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow
How soft your fields so green
Can whisper tales of gore
Of how we calmed the tides of war
We are your overlords
On we sweep with threshing oar
Our only goal will be the western shore
So now you'd better stop and rebuild all your ruins
For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ahh, ah
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
My favorite head banging song. I still remember having hair to toss while doing it. ;-)