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Major Milestone in NC Wing's Glider Program

Cadet Stange in glider
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Cadet Capt Noah Stange makes history as the first cadet to solo in the NC Wing's glider. His father, Capt Dave Stange, serves as his wing runner. Photo Credit: Lt Dawn Stange, CAP (click image to view full size)
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First Cadet Solos in Glider

6/4/2017––On 4 June 2017, Cadet Captain Noah Stange from NC-145 (Franklin County Composite Squadron) completed his first solo flights in the NC Wing’s TG-10B/L-23B aka “MERLIN 09” under the supervision of Instructor Capt John Styers at the NC Wing Glider Base at the Triangle North Executive Airport (KLHZ) in Louisburg, NC.

The tow pilot for this historic event was 1st Lt Tim Suttles of NC-145 and the wing runner was Capt Dave Stange.

C/Capt Stange attended the Texas Glider Academy last summer and left as a “pre-solo” cadet, as it was his first time attending.  
 
The glider program in NC is just over 4 years old, with the first flights taking place in May 2013. Over 790 sorties have been flown during that period of time, which have included the check rides for 2 commercial glider pilots and 1 CFI-G that were “home grown.”
 
Cadet Captain Stange is the son of the Captain Dave “Lock Box” Stange, NCWG Deputy Director of Operations, and Lt Dawn Stange, the NC Wing's Recruiting and Retention Officer.
 
Congratulations Cadet Stange - you have made us all very proud!