Civil air patrol

[drewgriff]

Does anyone know much about it????

I'm planning on joining it but I want some more info on it.

Thanks

[FlyingRon]

www.gocivilairpatrol.com

The one thing I can say is that there's a large variability in the differing wings. Further, there's enough different activities involved that you can have different experiences in the same wing depending on what you want to do.

[drewgriff]

www.gocivilairpatrol.com

The one thing I can say is that there's a large variability in the differing wings. Further, there's enough different activities involved that you can have different experiences in the same wing depending on what you want to do.

Thanks

(BTW you can look at signature to see what my plans are)

[Eric Page]

Drew,

I was a CAP cadet for something like six or seven years (in Washington state), and was later an adult member (in Washington and Oklahoma). I soloed through CAP's solo encampment and that was the spark that lit my aviation fire. I won't claim that there's any direct connection, but I presently fly for a living.

FlyingRon is right WRT the variability of CAP wings (basically, each state is a separate wing). The Washington wing wasn't noted as a top-tier organization during my youth, and the local squadron I belonged to was more concerned with working airshow security than anything pilot-related. Still, Washington Wing did run powered and glider solo encampments. [Sadly, the glider encampement was cancelled the year I planned to attend, due to a lack of available tow planes. It took me nearly 25 years to finally add a glider license!]

Many CAP squadrons have aircraft at their disposal and participate actively in CAP's search-and-rescue mission. As I recall, all CAP SAR mission pilots are adult members. I don't believe cadets pilot CAP aircraft outside of organized flight encampments or orientation flight events (roughly analagous to Young Eagles).

I'd reccommend searching the CAP website for squadrons near you and drop in on their meetings. Talk to other cadets and ask them what kind of activities their squadron participates in outside of weekly meetings, and how frequently. Does the squadron have an aircraft? Pay close attention to the adult members: how many are there, and how engaged or motivated to they appear? Any individual squadron will only be as good as the leadership that's running it.

Keep in mind that CAP is the auxiliary of the US Air Force, so there's a significant military component to membership. You'll have to buy uniforms, learn to march, learn military customs and courtesies ("yes sir," "no sir," saluting, etc.). I came from a military family and I thought all that stuff was pretty cool. Your background and interests may be different.

In some parts of the country there are Aviation Explorer posts that might be worth a look as well. See http://www.aviationexploring.org/

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you have about CAP. I subscribed to this thread, so just post here again or send a PM and the board will email me.

Cheers, Eric

[Anymouse]

Keep in mind that CAP is the auxiliary of the US Air Force, so there's a significant military component to membership. You'll have to buy uniforms, learn to march, learn military customs and courtesies ("yes sir," "no sir," saluting, etc.). I came from a military family and I thought all that stuff was pretty cool. Your background and interests may be different.

In some parts of the country there are Aviation Explorer posts that might be worth a look as well. See http://www.aviationexploring.org/

Just a couple quick clarifications. The only time CAP uniforms are required is when you are flying on a CAP aircraft or CAP mission (in the event a non-owned aircraft is being used). Also, senior members are not required to march. That's a Cadet thing only. If a squadron says you have to march, find another squadron.

I agree with Aviation Explorers, however keep in mind that the Boy Scouts do not allow Explorer posts to own aircraft anymore.

[tuba god]

How hard is CAP to join?

[Anymouse]

How hard is CAP to join?

Pretty down right easy.

Find a local squadron.

Go to a meeting.

Ask for an application.

Get finger printed (they do a background check to make sure you're not a child molester)

Bring filled out application and fingerprint card with you to the next meeting, along with a dues check.

Continue to show up to meetings and, viola, you're a member.

First thing you need to do after officially becoming a member is do Phase I training. This basically is just watching a couple of videos about the CAP and Cadet protection. (CAP is BIG on Cadet protection!!) There will be hoops you need to jump through to participate (training, paperwork, etc.). Work with the system and you'll find that it can be rather rewarding.

[steveinindy]

The Washington wing wasn't noted as a top-tier organization during my youth, and the local squadron I belonged to was more concerned with working airshow security than anything pilot-related.

Sounds like the Indiana Wing, except replace "working airshow security" with "playing with communications equipment". LOL

[tuba god]

ok thanks

[CAPkid]

Okay, um uniforms are required at every meeting, whether it is your PT uniform, your Blues (AF style), or your BDUs (camo). Senior members do not have to march.