Shuttle pilot credits CAP

[Rob Sherlin]

  Just got the new issue of "Flight Training" from AOPA. There's a small article in there I thought I should share. I don't have a link to it online, so I'm copying it word for word.

  "Shuttle pilot credits CAP with instilling desire to fly"

    U.S. Air Force Col. Eric A. Boe, who piloted the space shuttle "Endeavour" during it's November 2008 mission, credits the Civil Air Patrol (www.gocivilairpatrol.com) with helping him to achieve his career goals of becoming a fighter pilot and an astronaut. Boe is a former Georgia Wing cadet and current Florida Wing member. He soloed at age 16 at a flight encampment conducted by the Georgia Wing, and credits his cadet experience for solidifying his desire to fly. "That was my first real opportunity to fly an airplane by myself," he said. "CAP gave me that opportunity, and it really made a difference in the long term. It's always nice to have flown before you show up at pilot training."


  Wish there were opportunities like this for Senior Members, but at least we have it for the cadets.

[CAPPAO]

Rob,
This information is taken from a a 10 Nov. release from CAP's HQ/PA, and is posted online at http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/news/media_center/press_releases/index.cfm/civil_air_patrol_member_to_pilot_space_shuttle_endeavour_4809.

Regards,
Steven

[Climbnsink]

Wish there were opportunities like this for Senior Members, but at least we have it for the cadets.

SM can get rated in a glider.  Adding a powered rating(outside of CAP) would be cheap.  C-17 flights cheap.  TMP flights free.   Etc...

[Rob Sherlin]

^^ Where can I find more info on this?

   I plan on moving to Florida next March or April and joining the Tampa Soaring Society. After joining, it shouldn't be that expensive to obtain my glider rating. After that, I also want to get an Instructor rating for gliders. But, I don't want to just limit myself to gliders. I originaly wanted to get rated for powered aircraft, but the cost is way beyond affordability for me, even for just a sport rating. If there's a way to cut the cost, I'd like to know.
   I've even got a test study course and flight sim to practice on, but even though that might cut the cost on ground schooling, it's still too expensive.

[MikeD]

Wish there were opportunities like this for Senior Members, but at least we have it for the cadets.

SM can get rated in a glider.  Adding a powered rating(outside of CAP) would be cheap.  C-17 flights cheap.  TMP flights free.   Etc...

C-17 flights cheap???  I think your definition of cheap is vastly different then most. 

[flyguy06]

Eric came from our sister squadron. One of his senior members is still SM inGAWG today and keeps in touch with him. She introduced him to members of my squadron last summer. He's a real nice guy.

[SarDragon]

Wish there were opportunities like this for Senior Members, but at least we have it for the cadets.

SM can get rated in a glider.  Adding a powered rating(outside of CAP) would be cheap.  C-17 flights cheap.  TMP flights free.   Etc...

C-17 flights cheap???  I think your definition of cheap is vastly different then most. 

Meaning perhaps this?

(C17) CAPFs 5 & 91 evaluations and proficiency flights not designated as an AFAM

That's how I took it when I first saw it.