Described in this chapter are the effect of strong winds that have caused severe damage to our area, incidents of aircraft damage that are worthy of recall, and another use of helicopter aircraft that serve our power facilities in the numerous high tension line bisecting this mountainous terrain.
This decade saw the establishment of the Maryland State Police MEDEVAC Detachment at the Cumberland Regional Airport. A worthy and hugely beneficial use of a helicopter and trained medics to respond to medical and other emergencies has proven to be a tremendous bonus for our tri-state region. Not only serving the western Maryland section of the state, the local Medevac Unit responds to emergency situations in adjoining West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Numerous life saving responses, and search and rescue missions, as well as aiding other branches in law enforcement, has been the hall mark of these Maryland State Troopers.
There are local aviation enthusiasts that have pursued the construction of homebuilt aircraft and sport aviation and this has resulted in the formation of Chapter 426 of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Charlie Airsman, Greg Teeter, and many others have proven their dedication to sport aviation by their mechanical expertise. These individuals share their experiences and the flying machines they have built, own, and operate with many other like minded aviators. This friendship has become a focal point that enables others to become interested in the aviation experience and become members of the flying fraternity.
Also noted is a segment on the ultra-light and hang gliding activity that has proven popular with some in our area. The keen interest in aviation and unique experiences by the family of Longs is detailed at the end of this chapter.
Wings Over Cumberland 