Squadron Info
Download a Map with Directions to the Gliding Site
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Download & View a Flight Safety Presentation before Gliding Day
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Download & View a Presentation about an Average Day at the Site
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Download a Diagram &
Description for the SGS 2-33A
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should squadrons prepare for a visit to the NB Glider Famil Site?
Everyone should view the "Flight Safety Briefing" and "A Day at Glider Ops" presentations that are
available for downloading. (See above)
Another good idea would be to read through the questions and answers below.
2. What time should the squadron arrive at the Miramichi Airport?
The Glider Ops staff will be ready to begin flying famils at 0900 hours.
3. Should visiting squadrons go the Miramichi Airport Terminal Building when they arrive?
No. Follow the directions on the down-load map above to an abandoned taxiway where you will be
met by a staff member from Glider Ops.
4. Are there washrooms available at the Glider Ops site?
No. There are washrooms available in the Miramichi Airport Commission Terminal Building, and
cadets are welcome. An officer should accompany each group of cadets to ensure that the
facilities are left neat and tidy.
5. What should cadets wear for their day at the gliding site?
Cadets should check the expected weather conditions as they prepare. If it is expected to be cool,
jackets and perhaps gloves should be worn. If hot weather is forecast, then protective hats and lots
of sunscreen should be part of the day's kit. Predicted rain showers would make a raincoat or an
umbrella a good idea. The open spaces of the airfield provide no protection from cold winds, so
cadets should have windbreakers if the day is expected to be windy.
Cadets should not wear uniforms.
6. Are snacks and water available on the airfield?
No. Cadets should bring individual snacks and enough water to last the day.
7. Will all cadets be able to go out to the runway beside the gliders at the same time?
Glider Operations now take place on the main runway most of the time. As a result, we are not
allowed to take squadron vehicles and large numbers of cadets out to the gliding site because of
the arrivals and departures of aircraft ranging from small homebuilts to large jets.
A Glider Ops van will take 5-6 cadets at a time to the actual gliding site. An officer should
accompany each group. Everyone else will wait in an area away from the runway.
8. Must every cadet who visits the NB Glider Famil Site go flying in a glider?
No. Flying isn't for everyone; however, every cadet is encouraged to experience the thrill of flying.
Individuals who would feel more comfortable visiting the site but not going up in the glider are
welcome to sit in the aircraft, ask questions, or perhaps assist the Glider Ops staff in some way.
9. Are there any restrictions about who is able to fly in a the glider?
Yes. The total weight of the glider, the pilot, and the passenger must not exceed 1040 pounds or
473 kilograms. The glider itself weighs approximately 675 pounds (306 kilograms). If the pilot
weighs 180 pounds (82 kilograms), then the passenger may not weigh any more than 185 pounds
(84 kilograms). Of course, if the pilot weighs less than 180 pounds, then the passenger may
weigh more than 185 pounds so long as the total of the combined weights does not exceed 1040
pounds. Cadets who weigh more than 200 pounds (91 kilograms) may not be able to fly in the glider
unless a light-weight pilot is on duty.
10. How does the glider get into the air?
At the Miramichi site, we use the auto tow method most of the time. A half-ton truck hauls the glider
into the air on the end of a 1200 foot rope. Flights last between 3-6 minutes. On some occassions,
we use the aero tow method where an L-19 tow plane tows the glider into the air using a 200 foot
rope. Aero tow launches are to 1500-1800 feet above the ground and last approximately 10
minutes.
11. What will cadets do while they are waiting to go out to the gliding site at the runway?
Cadets should come prepared to entertain themselves while they are waiting. Bring games, sports
equipment, or plan squadron learning activities: map & compass, team-building games, etc.
12. What happens if gliding is temporarily delayed to wait for improved weather conditions?
This is a perfect opportunity for the squadron to take group photos in front of one of the gliders or
the tow plane. If staff and circumstances permit, cadets can get a "tour" of the airplanes with a
member of the Glider Ops staff. Be sure to ask the Airfield Supervisor about these activities.
13. Is it possible for members of the squadron to participate in some ground-crew activities?
Yes. If time and circumstances permit, Glider Ops staff members will teach senior cadets how to
hold the tail of the glider as it is being launched.
14. Is the Glider Ops staff available to help supervise visiting cadets in the waiting area.
No. Glider Ops staff are responsible for the safe and efficient launch and recovery of gliders,
keeping track of all aircraft traffic near the airport, coordinating airfield vehicle traffic , supervising
Staff Cadets, communicating with aircraft, vehicles, and the airport authority on a common radio
frequency, enforcing applicable Transport Canada and DND regulations, making sure all Glider Ops
staff receive meals and mandatory rest breaks, promoting flight and ground safety, monitoring
weather and wind conditions, and many other tasks.
15. Are loud noises and voices permitted near aircraft when flying operations are underway?
No. Loud noises and unnecessary raised voices are a distraction and a safety violation.
16. There is a cadet pilot in the squadron. Is it possible for him/her to get some flying time?
Yes. It is unlikely that "solo" flight will be authorized, but a "dual" flight with a check pilot is
possible if a check pilot is on duty that day.
17. Will gliding stop for lunch?
Yes. Glider Ops staff will be taking a 30-45 minute lunch break.
18. Is lunch provided for visiting squadrons?
No. Some squadrons leave the airfield and go to a restaurant for lunch; however, that could take
more than an hour, and reduces the time available for famil flights. Most squadrons have cadets
bring a lunch that can be eaten on the airfield. This allows cadets to be immediately available when
the Glider Ops staff members start flying again after their lunch break.
19. Are cadets allowed to take a camera on their flight?
Yes. Make sure that the wrist strap is over your wrist so the camera will not fall to the floor in case
it slips from your hands.
20. Is it possible to have a "roller coaster" demonstrated??
If enough altitude has been reached during the launch, cadets will be shown the basic "roll, pitch,
and yaw" movements of the glider as part of their introduction to flying in an aircraft. Sometimes
the pitch demonstration is mistakenly referred to as a "roller coaster."
21. Why is gliding sometimes cancelled even though it is a nice sunny day?
Glider famil flying is governed by some very strict DND weather-related rules that must
be followed in the interest of Flight Safety. One of those regulations has to do with the wind
direction and speed. Gliding can take place in relatively strong winds (up to 25 knots) if the wind is
directly "down the runway." On the other hand, if the wind is at 90 degrees to the take-off and
landing path, only a very low wind speed (8 knots) is allowed to ensure that the glider can be fully
controlled in the cross-wind.
So, if gliding is cancelled on what looks like a beautiful flying day, it is probably because the winds
are "out of limits."
22. What time does gliding end for the day?
Normally, famil flying ends around 1600 hours.