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AFA’s First Glider Pilot Returns

By: KKTV Email
Updated: Mon 1:03 PM, May 21, 2012

The very first Air Force Academy cadet who ever flew solo in a glider as part of the soaring program returned to the Academy to soar once again as part of the graduation festivities.

Retired Lt. Col. Richard Trail is a member of the first class to graduate from the Academy in 1959. His glider flight Monday was piloted by Cadet 1st Class Lance Wach, one of Trail's former flight students.

Wach is now an instruction pilot in the soaring program and will graduate as a member of the Class of 2012 on Wednesday. Trail will administer Wach’s oath of commissioning on Tuesday night.

During his years in the Air Force, Trail flew the KC-135 Stratotanker, and ended up commanding a squadron of that vintage air refueler before retiring. He is now a civilian flight instructor in Nebraska.


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