Serving the tri-state and Cumberland area are five aeronautical organizations that should be noted. They are: “Trooper Five”, the Maryland State Police Unit, the Alleghany Flying Club, the Experimental Aviation Association Chapter 426, the Cumberland Soaring Group, and the Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 18065.
Trooper Five provides rescue and police missions with a Cumberland Airport based helicopter. The “Golden Hour” was defined in 1969 by Dr. R. A. Cowley as critical to survival of the injured, and often such a rapid response can only be provided by aerial assistance. To that end, Trooper Five operations began in 1982 under the supervision of Sgt. Carl Marshall. The first aircraft used was a Bell Jet Ranger. Subsequent helicopters have been upgraded with modern state of the art equipment that enhance their capabilities. For more information on the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, see https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/SupportServicesBureau/AviationCommand.aspx.
The Alleghany Flying Club (spelling is correct and used by the club) has offered its many members partial ownership of its three aircraft, thus enabling them to retain their high interest in flying at reasonable rates. Organized in 1962, it began operating with an Aeronca 7AC Champ, and has upgraded to more modern aircraft over the years. The charter members were Charles F. Grabenstein, Earl L. Wilson, Thomas Herndon, and Carl Winters. For more information, see https://afc-cbe.com/.
The Experimental Aviation Association Chapter 426 is based at CBE and is associated with the national EAA organization. This group was formed in 1972 and is recognized for its monthly fly-in/drive-in breakfasts formerly held at Mexico Farms, and now held at CBE. Many members have their own unique aircraft and many have offered free flights to youngsters under the Young Eagles program established by the national EAA. Bill Pancake, a widely renowned pilot and A&E Mechanic serves as technical advisor to the local chapter. For more information, see https://www.facebook.com/eaachapter426/.
Since the 1960’s the Cumberland Soaring Group has had a presence at CBE. The co-founders were Dr Bob Poling and Bill Holbrook. The two pilots, with their heightened interest in this motorless style of flight, attended a soaring school in Elmira, NY in 1958. This led to the founding of the local soaring club. The nearby Knobley Mountain range offered ideal soaring thermals. Operating primarily on weekends this has become a family affair for many who travel long distances to participate in soaring at CBE. The Cumberland Soaring Group has continued its rich heritage as caretaker of one of the premier soaring sites in the country. For more information, see https://cumberlandsoaring.org/.
The Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer non-profit organization that performs three main functions – emergency services, aerospace education, and a cadet program. The CAP is an official auxiliary of the US Air Force and performed invaluable service during WW II. In existence for over seven decades the local CAP Composite Squadron 18065 has maintained its presence at CBE and have their own proficiency exercises in accordance with the national CAP. Composed of older leaders, the squadron is open to cadets from age 13 through 18. For more information, see http://mdwg.cap.gov/index.php/squadrons/cumberland-composite-squadron/.
Wings Over Cumberland 