On Aug 1, 5:08*pm, jim archer wrote:
On Aug 1, 4:20*pm, "John Scott" wrote:

The Discus and Duos are used by the cross country team. *I believe they were
paid for by the Assoc. of Graduates, at least in part.

This RFP is to replace their fleet of Blanik L23s and Blanik L13ACs (acro
ships). *These were purchased by the USAF about 15-18 yrs ago to replace
their fleet of SGS 2-33s and a couple of ASK-21s (still flying locally with
the CAP).

John

Thanks John, next time I'll read the RFP before revealing my sour
grapes...

A sailplane is just about the cheapest aircraft in the current
inventory and they don't tend to crash and burn like many of their
other toys. I'd rather they buy a dozen sailplanes than one
experimental fighter jet.

I've met many of the officers and cadets at contests over the past few
years and find they are a great asset to our soaring community. They
don't get the opportunity to compete cross-country as aggressively as
many private pilots, but they still have a few good pilots - this year
a couple were doing quite well. It is also handy to have the cadets
at a contest if you need a dozen strong youngsters to haul a glider
out of a lake of mud or other hazard!

Mike