Interesting. This was a Reply subject, but I can't find a post about ND in my r.a.s. archive. Sounds like you have 2 contacts ('Martin' and 'Tom', though).
Jay, you are to be congratulated for seeking out the existing local glider experts instead of just starting up on your own with limited background in gliders. The CAP-SSA MOU encourages just that and I can tell you it's easier and safer to make veteran glider pilots and CFI-Gs CAP members than vice-versa. What the joint program is all about is getting glider orientations for young cadets. PVT pilots with some experience can be O-ride pilots per CAP's regulations, but CFI-Gs are more common.
Unfortunately, as you probably already know, the
www.ssa.org 'Where to Fly' feature doesn't list ND (it has 46 entries, so some other states + DC, PR etc. are missing). Also the SSA Governor list curently says 'vacant'. A telephone call to SSA on Monday, (505)392-1177 might dig up more up to date info. You might also check with the nearest Regional Directors.
University of North Dakota, which has a nationally famous aviation department, has had a glider club off and on. Last I heard, UND had acquired a Katana Extreme and was at least developing some glider-like flying interest.
