(Top)
Cadets flank a glider before an orientation flight.
(Second)
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Veronica Morthorpe, the Alaska Wing Glider Academy graduate who helped set up the Birchwood Composite Squadron's glider training day, in her aircraft.
(Third)
A cadet gets settled in the glider cockpit.
(Fourth)
Cadet Airman Basic Adam Pence of the Birchwood Composite Squadron prepares for his orientation flight.
(Bottom)
A glider is towed toward takeoff.
1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Birchwood Composite Squadron
Alaska Wing, Civil Air Patrol
ALASKA – The Birchwood Composite Squadron recently extended a hand to provide all Alaska Wing cadets with an opportunity to participate in the wing’s glider program.
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Veronica Morthorpe coordinated an impromptu glider training day, which included arranging for senior member pilot instructors and scheduling cadets from other squadrons to participate and receive orientation rides.
Morthorpe credits Capt. Ed Kornfield with pulling together pilot support during the summer: “He’s the one who really got the senior members on board to help cadets with the glider orientation rides."
“Alaska Wing has this great resource in our backyard, and it’s great to see future pilots benefiting from the program,” the cadet said.
A graduate of the Alaska Wing Glider Academy, she is a fierce proponent of the glider program. “My only complaint: No girls are involved,” said Morthorpe, who has attended the academy three times. “I hope to change that by bringing awareness to the program. I would love to see female instructors and students in attendance.”