Civil Air Patrol - What Do They Do?

[John Carrier]

For those of you who either didn't know or were afraid to ask, "I see Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets on the AirVenture grounds - what do they do?"

In summary, within FAA and Air Force standards, the CAP cadets help EAA Flight Line Operations (FLO) maintain the grass taxiways, direct aircraft, and provide emergency services.

You may have noticed some cadets riding around in a vehicle with antennas - they are searching for ELTs (emergency locator transmitters) that are active. It is their job to locate, identify, and diagnose (i.e., an accidental activation or emergency situation). What may surprise you - they handle 200-300 activations per convention!

Please remember that the CAP cadets augment FLO volunteers. They are not authorized to physically handle aircraft, nor will they be able to address most pilot questions when taxiing. When in doubt, seek the assistance of a FLO volunteer.

More information about the CAP Cadet program can be found here: http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/abou...adet-programs/

[Chris In Marshfield]

I was a CAP Cadet when I was a youngster. Great program! Go Cadets!

~Chris

[Eric Page]

Me too. Worked lots of airshows and cemented my future in aviation. Favorite airshow was the 50th Anniversary of the B-17 at Boeing Field in Seattle. Lots of cool planes, numerous B-17 veterans telling their stories, and a Big Band hangar dance in the evening. Great fun!

I agree with Chris -- CAP's a great organization.

[CAPkid]

You are correct, but just to clarify: The cadets you see there are there for a special activity called National Blue Beret, or are part of the Wisconsin Wing. NBB is an activity where they go up to Airventure and train and do lots of fun stuff to get their beret.

[TedK]

Go CAP !!!

i was a CAP Cadet and got my PP-ASEL because of that. I believe it was my CAP experience and the PP license that got me a Navy ROTC scholarship. I got to fly with the Navy, got my Masters, was the Navy's Chief Engineer on the P-3 Orion, and am now well employed and a retired officer...

...if it hadn't been for CAP, that probably wouldn't have happened.

These kids learn to listen, to follow, to think, to lead. Go CAP!

[JimRice85]

Go CAP !!!

i was a CAP Cadet and got my PP-ASEL because of that. I believe it was my CAP experience and the PP license that got me a Navy ROTC scholarship. I got to fly with the Navy, got my Masters, was the Navy's Chief Engineer on the P-3 Orion, and am now well employed and a retired officer...

...if it hadn't been for CAP, that probably wouldn't have happened.

These kids learn to listen, to follow, to think, to lead. Go CAP!

Left such a bad taste in your mouth about the USAF you joined the Navy?

[rwanttaja]

Left such a bad taste in your mouth about the USAF you joined the Navy?

i noticed that a lot among my old CAP cadet buddies. Of those who went into the military, few went into the Air Force. Lots of Navy, some Army and Marines, I was about the only one who went Air Force.

Our unit was kind of strong on the military side, though, and I think some found the real-world Air Force was a bit lacking.

Way back when, I was a cadet officer in charge of teaching new cadets how to march. I attended the Army promotion ceremony for one last weekend...they pinned on his first star.

Ron Wanttaja

[Jim Hann]

As a FLO volunteer I get to work with these fine young men and women. They are great, take direction well, work hard, and are eager to learn. Looking forward to another week with them next month!

Jim

[TedK]

Way back when, I was a cadet officer in charge of teaching new cadets how to march. I attended the Army promotion ceremony for one last weekend...they pinned on his first star.

Ron Wanttaja

As we said in the Navy: Bravo Zulu to you Ron!! See what CAP does! Ted http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bravo_Zulu