PILOT F.A.Q. SHEET
COLORADO COUNTY COMPOSITE SQUADRON
CIVIL AIR PATROL
Following are some Frequently Asked Questions and my answers. Additionally, I have included some website links that you might find interesting.
1. Isn't Civil Air Patrol mainly for kids?
No, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) does have a cadet program for kids ages 12 to 21, but CAP has a very real-world flying mission that can only be accomplished by well-trained and capable adults. Anyone over 18 who joins CAP is called a "senior member," not to be confused with senior citizens (although several of our members fit into both of those categories.)
2. What will I get to do as a pilot in CAP?
CAP has three main missions: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs. Pilots have roles in each of these missions. http://www.cap.gov/quickinfo/pilot.html
For "emergency services", CAP pilots fly reconnaissance missions for homeland security, search and rescue and disaster relief, and even counter-drug reconnaissance at the request of government or law enforcement agencies. They transport medical personnel and supplies, blood and live tissue. In times of disaster, they assess damage and transport emergency personnel from site to site. (see both of the following http://www.cap.gov/about/PROGRAMS/OPS.html and http://www.cap.gov/about/PROGRAMS/HS.html)
For the Cadet Program, CAP pilots can give orientation flights for CAP cadets or Air Force ROTC cadets. (see http://www.cap.gov/about/PROGRAMS/CP.html)
Aerospace Education involves increasing knowledge about aviation topics both within CAP and in the community. (see http://www.cap.gov/about/PROGRAMS/AE.html) Obviously, none of the above missions are fully possible without participation from pilots.
3. Will I get to fly for free?
Yes, there will be opportunities to fly on missions that are funded by either the Air Force, CAP, or another organization. Most training and proficiency flying is not funded. But any expenses that are incurred for your service to Civil Air Patrol are fully tax-deductible, and this includes flying expenses or use of your own airplane.
4. I’m a new pilot, can I still be involved in CAP?
Yes, the only requirement to be a CAP pilot is to have a Private Pilot Certificate. You can fly CAP aircraft, or use CAP flying privileges in your own or your rental aircraft to allow tax-deductibility of your flying as you build hours. There are some minimum PIC-hour requirements to be involved in some CAP missions, but these are reasonable and can serve as a goal to shoot for as you build flight time.
5. Can I get additional flight training through CAP?
Yes, you can obtain advanced ratings using both CAP aircraft and CAP instructors (who do not charge for their services to other CAP members), provided you are already a private pilot and have been in CAP for a year (or six months if you are qualified as a mission pilot.)
6. What kind of CAP-specific training is required for me to be a CAP pilot?
Colorado County Composite Squadron will develop a "block training" program for any new member pilots. This training will include orientation to CAP, cadet protection training, general emergency services training, mission scanner training, and CAP pilot training. I anticipate that the above training will take about 8 to 10 hours. We will probably divide that into two or three
Pilot FAQ, page 2
Saturday morning or weeknight sessions. I will personally contact each interested pilot to coordinate scheduling of the training.
7. I'm not into the whole military thing, will I have to cut my hair, wear a uniform, march, and salute?
Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the US Air Force. I stress the word civilian, since CAP members remain civilians and are not bound by any military authority. The only 2 activities that require CAP senior members to wear any kind of uniform are working with cadets and flying in CAP aircraft. For anything else, no uniform is required. In addition, there are 8 different varieties of CAP uniforms and all are equally acceptable for senior members to wear. These range from as simple as a CAP polo shirt and gray slacks, to a full-up USAF flight suit. Some CAP members choose to wear the military-style uniforms, others are much more comfortable in a casual civilian uniform. Only those members that choose to wear the military-style uniforms are required to maintain a military haircut. So it's really up to the individual. Senior members don't march or do much saluting, unless they choose to do so in working with the cadets.
8. How much will this cost me?
CAP senior member dues are currently $75 for new members (renewal is $65 annually). The least expensive CAP uniform (blue polo shirt with CAP logo) will cost $16.
9. Troy, what have your experiences with CAP been like?
I'm glad you asked. I've had a great time with CAP over the past three years and have enjoyed the chance to do some fun flying and make some friendships with a very professional group of men and women.
10. Is CAP only for pilots?
No, not at all. CAP has many opportunities for non-pilots as well. The reason for this recruiting effort, though, is that we are currently unable to fulfill our squadron's emergency services mission due to the lack of pilots.
11. Where do I sign up?
All of my contact information is listed below. Please e-mail, call, or visit if you'd like to join us, or even if you just have some questions. Send me your mailing address and I'll send you a new member packet with application and instructions.
Troy Millican
CFI, AGI, IGI, Senior AME (979) 992-3544 home
Operations Officer (979) 732-0825 cell
Colorado County Composite Squadron (979) 732-2318 wk
1220 Bowie St.
Columbus, TX 78934