Just received word that CAP NHQ has ended the balloon program and suspended glider ops.
NHQ is putting together a team to assess how to revamp the glider program, with a report due in Feb 2025. There will be no glider academies for 2025. The glider program will likely survive with some changes.
I don't know how to feel about that.
I'm not really involved with either ballons or gliders, but I always thought it was cool that CAP had those capabilities.
Will their loss affect our mission?
Balloons, not so much. These days they were more of a recruiting and PR tool. Nothing like a big floating billboard in CAP Colors and Logos drifting majestically by overhead.
Gliders, operationally, not much use, but I think they were/are a big part of teaching cadets the love of flying and an aspect/tool of aerospace education.
Had a chance to discuss gliders with a member of region staff at a recent wing conference. He was very positive that the glider program would be back. The working group is considering all options for ensuring the glider program is safe and effective for all. Yes, new gliders are high on the list of considerations. The three that we most recently saw are all down for significant maintenance. Two were delivered for maintenance just days before the freeze.
Gliders are a great opportunity to get cadets more orientation flights and really teach the love of flying. A day of glider operations is also more visible to the community where they are flying than a Cessna. Many former cadets who are now active duty pilots credit CAP gliders with making them better pilots.