What is CAP? How long has CAP been around?

CAP is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP is a private (non-government) corporation, and was formed on December 1, 1941 by aviation pioneers seeking to aid the country by utilizing aviation resources during times of impending war. CAP started by training new pilots for the war effort, and also flew coastal patrol and search and rescue missions. For more about CAP history, see the CAP National web page.

What do you do in CAP?

Our three missions in CAP are Emergency Services, the Cadet Program, and Aeronautical Education. We perform volunteer search-and-rescue operations looking for downed aircraft, provide disaster relief assistance, and help search for missing persons. Our cadet program serves to turn our youth into leaders, and also gives them exposure to military life. We serve to promote general community awareness of aviation and aeronautical topics as well.
Regular squadron meetings typically include military drills and related training for cadets. Senior members typically plan for continued training in Emergency Services operations.

What does Air Force "auxiliary" really mean?

As the official auxiliary of the Air Force, CAP is organized along military lines. CAP receives significant funding from the Air Force for certain training and search-and-rescue mission operations. The Air Force also provides oversight expertise and training to CAP in support of CAP missions.

When and where do you meet?

Various squadrons have different meeting times and locations, typically once a week. Florida Wing HQ meets every Saturday Morning. There are currently 8 Groups consisting of 74 squadrons and 4 ROTC Units in Florida with 13 Squadrons and 1 ROTC Unit in the Tampa Bay area. Contact Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sharkey, Florida Wing Commander, for information on other squadrons within the Tampa Bay area..

Who can join CAP? I am not a U.S. citizen. Is that OK?

Cadet membership is open to United States citizens (or persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence) age 13 (or who have satisfactorily completed sixth grade) through 18 years old. Senior membership is open to U.S. citizens (or persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence) who are age 18 or older. Acceptance is determined at the local unit and through the national headquarters. (Although membership is selective, Civil Air Patrol prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex or religion.)

Do I need to be a pilot to join?

No, not at all. Aircrew mission operations always require trained observers as well as pilots. In addition, senior members keep the squadron running smoothly by fulfilling various staff roles.

What do I get out of being a member?

Volunteering in CAP allows members the opportunity to serve their country and communities as volunteers. Emergency Services operations save lives. The cadet program helps build future leaders for our country. Aeronautical Education allows our nation to maintain a strong military and civil air presence through citizen awareness.

What is the process for joining?

Joining is easy. Visit a squadron meeting and talk to the members about their activities. If you think CAP is for you, complete and submit an application, along with membership dues.

I have a criminal record. Can I join?

Membership is subject to an FBI background check and must pass a review by National and the unit's membership committee. (Since we work with cadets, we pay strict attention to all aspects of their safety.)

Does it cost me anything?

Membership dues are $60 per year at the National level. Various Wings (states), Groups (sub-organizations within a Wing) and Squadrons (the lowest operational unit in CAP) also have various yearly dues. Membership dues and local fund raising activities fund most squadron level expenses. Members also generally pay for their own supplies, including uniforms, training materials, etc.

How much do you get paid?

CAP members are unpaid volunteers, except for a small percentage of paid CAP employees at the National Headquarters and Wing (state) levels. (Most CAP-related expenses are tax-deductible, however.)

What is the commitment required?

It's as little or as much as each individual decides to put forth. Generally, more activity will require certain training requirements, and therefore more commitment to carry this through. Particpation in any CAP activity is at each members discretion.

I can't make all the meetings or activities. Is that OK?

Yes, we understand that all of us have other priorities at times, and it's OK to miss meetings at times. Certain activities (search-and-rescue, for example) have minimum training requirements, and these may be difficult to achieve if you cannot attend meetings and training classes.

If I join, will I be a cadet?

Members joining under the age of 18 years old are called "Cadets". Those joining at 18 years and older are called "Senior Members".

Does everyone work with cadets?

Senior Members desiring to assist with the CAP Cadet Program work with the cadets in various capacities. Some Senior Members choose not to do so.

What jobs are there in CAP? How will I fit in?

Emergency Services jobs include such areas as: mission pilot, mission observer/scanner, flight operations director, line operations director, ground team leader, ground team member, mission coordinator, to name a few.

Besides these, there are a whole host of "staff positions" held by senior members, which essentially exist to keep the squadron running. Some of these include: Commander, Deputy Commander for Seniors, Deputy Commander for Cadets, Senior Programs Officer, Chaplain, Safety, Communications, Public Affairs, Finance, Logistics, Administration, Aerospace Education, Flight Operations, Emergency Services Officer.

I've heard that CAP takes lots of your time. Is that true?

Some members spend a lot of time on CAP activities, but that really depends on each individual's interests and desires.

Can my wife/husband be in CAP too?

Absolutely! Many families have multiple CAP members and enjoy participating in activities together.

Who manages the money?

CAP members serve their units in different job roles. One of these is the Finance Officer, who keeps track of money matters. Squadrons form a finance committee, which reviews and oversees all spending decisions.

What missions does CAP perform?

During fiscal year 1998, CAP volunteers flew 4426 sorties (flights) in 3153 missions logging 9479 flight hours. This effort resulted in 116 lives saved. ELT search missions occur approximately 3-4 times every day somewhere in the U.S.

Why doesn't the Air Force do search and rescue?

The U.S. Air Force is tasked with all inland search-and-rescue activity for missing aircraft, and CAP is used to accomplish this mission. CAP volunteers perform this mission without pay, avoiding the need to maintain paid crews throughout the country.

Isn't it dangerous?

Safety is the primary concern during all CAP activities, and especially during missions. Only trained, qualified personnel are authorized to participate on missions. In addition, specific mission procedures are used to monitor the safety of all involved.
For example, ground teams are dispatched with specific instructions and progress is monitored via radio. Aircrews are only dispatched after thorough briefing, and all mission flight progress is monitored via Flight Operations personnel. All CAP members are tasked with ceasing any and all mission activities if a safety hazard is discovered.

What if I am busy when an exercise or search goes on? I work during the day, is that OK?

That's OK. It is understood that not all members are able to respond for missions at any time.

I'm an amateur radio operator. Can I help?

Yes, CAP maintains and exercises a daily nationwide network of HF and VHF radio stations to support emergency services. These stations are operated by trained technicians and are capable of providing communications throughout the country. Amateur radio operators often serve as Communications Officers for local squadrons, keeping radio equipment operational and training members on safe, proper radio usage. CAP uses dedicated (non-amateur) frequencies near the 2m, 75m and 35m bands.

What is "ground team" all about?

Ground teams are a vital part of all search-and-rescue operations. Aircrews are used to locate the site of a downed aircraft, or pinpoint the area of an ELT signal. But an aircrew cannot directly assist those on the ground (we fly airplanes, not helicopters). Ground teams provide emergency first aid to survivors once a site is located, and before emergency medical teams arrive on scene. Ground teams also locate the exact source of ELT "false alarm" signals and silence them, if possible.

What do you do if you find an aircraft?

Emergency medical and law enforcement personnel are notified. Ground teams are dispatched to assist these official personnel, as able. (Ground teams sometimes are involved in securing an accident site, for example.)

What's an "ELT"?

"ELT" stands for "emergency locator transmitter". ELT's are small, automatically activated radio transmitters that are required in most small aircraft. When activated, such as in a high impact situation, Air Force Search-and-Rescue satellites detect the signal. The satellites isolate the signal to an approximate location. Then the CAP is called to initiate a search.
Luckily, most ELT's are false alarms- accidentally activated by a hard landing, or due to faulty equipment, old batteries, etc. It is important to locate and silence even these false alarms as quickly as possible, so that actual emergency transmissions remain detectable.

Do you ever go in hangars and silence ELT's?

No, CAP members are private citizens, and are not permitted on private property without permission.

"Patrol" sounds like law enforcement. What's that all about?

CAP does not do law enforcement of any kind. (The "patrol" part of "Civil Air Patrol" has its origins in some of the U.S. coastal and border patrol activities flown during World War II.)

Will I be in the military if I join CAP?

No, CAP members remain private citizens and are not members of the military because of their CAP membership.

Is it like joining the reserves?

Not really. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves are military personnel, and CAP members are not automatically members of the military because of their membership in CAP. (Members of the U.S. Military are eligible to become CAP members, however.)

Will I get sent to fight if there is a war?

No. CAP is a civilian organization.

Will I have to follow orders?

The CAP organization includes a chain of command, and this includes orders to the membership which are expected to be followed. (Members do have the option of resigning their membership at any time, however, if they disagree strongly with CAP leadership.)

Does the Air Force play an active role in CAP activities?

The U.S. Air Force provides guidance, training, management assistance, and oversight of CAP activities. In addition, the Air Force provides significant funding to CAP, and performs audits to ensure proper accountability of these funds.

I have military experience. Is that useful in CAP?

Military experience is sometimes helpful in understanding the CAP chain of command structure and it's relationship with the Air Force. Military experience is definitely helpful if you want to work with cadets and assist in the cadet program.

I was never in the military. Is that OK?

Certainly. Military experience is not a necessity. Roughly 40% of CAP members have no prior military experience.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

Cadets and senior members participating in the cadet program are required to wear uniforms. All members must wear a CAP uniform if flying in a CAP aircraft. Members are required to wear uniforms during certain CAP activities.

What kinds of uniforms are there?

What kinds of uniforms are there?

There are various types of CAP uniforms authorized. One uniform looks very similar to the U.S. Air Force blue uniform that includes rank and other insignia. Another consists of gray slacks, white aviator shirt, black belt, black socks, and black shoes. The green Air Force-style flight suit is commonly used for flight activities. CAP also has some distinctly CAP uniforms, including blue jump suit; CAP golf shirts.

Who pays for uniforms?

CAP regulations state, "It is the member's personal responsibility to equip him or herself with a proper uniform. Commands may assist if the have the capability, through the use of unit funds and/or donations or by acquiring surplus uniforms. Cadets are required to have the minimum basic uniform." [CAPM 39-1]

Will I be able to wear an Air Force style uniform?

CAP members are authorized to wear the Air Force style uniform if they meet certain CAP weight and grooming standards [see CAPM 39-1, attachment A1].

What is rank all about?

Rank is awarded members to recognize the various levels of accomplishment within CAP. Cadets follow rank strictly in their program. Senior members respect rank as recognition of accomplishments. Military customs and courtesies (coming to attention, saluting, etc.) are considered a sign of mutual respect, and are expected of all members in uniform.

How long will it take me to achieve rank?

Senior members are promoted based on certain training and duty achievements and time-in-grade requirements. Senior members may be immediately promoted to certain rank based on mission related skills (for example, Private pilots are eligible for promotion to 2nd Lieutenant; Instrument rated or Commercial pilots are eligible for promotion to 1st Lieutenant; CFI or IGI's are eligible for promotion to Captain).
Members joining with prior military experience may assume their prior military rank (or equivalent) when joining CAP.

Will I have to learn how to march, salute, etc.?

Military drill activities are generally only practiced among the cadets.

Do you carry firearms?

No, CAP members are not permitted to carry firearms while on CAP activities.

I'm a bit overweight. Is that OK?

Senior members not meeting weight standards are not authorized to wear the CAP military style uniform. Obviously, we want senior members to be healthy and to provide good examples for CAP cadets, so we encourage healthy lifestyles.

What is the command structure of CAP?

The chain of command from the local level upward is basically as follows:

• Flights are smaller than squadrons. Flights typically form when start-up groups do not have sufficient membership to become a squadron.
• A Squadron may have one or many flights. This is the most common unit. Squadrons report to their Group.
• Groups are collections of squadrons, organized by collections of counties. Groups report to their respective Wing headquarters.
• Wings are established for each state.
• Wings are grouped into U.S. geographic areas called Regions. Regions report to CAP National Headquarters.
• CAP National Headquarters is based at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.

How many squadrons are there?

There are currently 13 squadrons in the Tampa Bay area. Contact Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sharkey, Florida Wing Commander, for information on other squadrons within the Tampa Bay area.

What sort of flying do you do?

CAP pilots are authorized to use CAP aircraft for proficiency flights (practice). Mission pilots fly various low-level (no less than 1000' AGL) search patterns and techniques during search-and-rescue (SAR) missions and training flights. Route surveys are also flown for the Air Force on occasion. CAP pilots achieving "Orientation Pilot" status fly orientation flights, demonstrating various aspects of flying to CAP cadets.

How many, and what kind of airplanes do you have?

The CAP Corporation owns and operates approximately 530 aircraft, most of which are single-engine Cessna 172's and 182's. There are 4 of these aircraft currently stationed at various airports in and around the Tampa Bay area: (The aircraft are available for use by any CAP squadron. Scheduling is coordinated at the Tampa Bay area Group 8 level.)

Who paid for the airplanes?

CAP purchases the aircraft using funds provided by, and under the supervision of the U.S. Air Force.

How is the aircraft fleet maintained?

CAP maintains the aircraft fleet at the local (squadron) level, using private aircraft maintenance businesses, as needed.

Who pays for the flights?

Certain Air Force assigned flight missions are completely funded via the Air Force (search-and-rescue missions, for example). Some SAR training exercises are also funded by the Air Force. Individual members fund member training and other proficiency flights. The CAP corporation funds cadet orientation flights.

Who can fly them?

Generally, only CAP pilots may fly CAP aircraft.

I have a private pilot license. Can I fly right away?

Certain minimum PIC time requirements apply for various types of flights. Checkrides are also required. (See CAP Pilot Requirements for more details.)

What are the pilot requirements?

See CAP Pilot Requirements for more details.

Do I need to take a checkride?

Yes, CAP pilots are required to take initial checkrides in all aircraft they wish to fly. Annual checkrides are also required.

I have a multi-engine rating. Is that useful in CAP?

CAP generally does not operate multi-engine aircraft, due to their added expense, and less useful characteristics for SAR missions.

I don't have an instrument rating. Is that OK?

An instrument rating is not a requirement to become a CAP pilot, but all CAP pilots are encouraged to obtain an instrument rating for added safety and proficiency.

Can I train for my instrument rating in CAP?

CAP aircraft may be used to train for an instrument rating, provided the instructor is also a CAP member and CAP instructor pilot. Aircraft usage is at the member's expense; however, CAP usage rates are generally lower than typical aircraft rental rates. CAP instructor pilots are not authorized to charge for instructing in CAP aircraft.

Can I learn to fly in CAP?

No, initial training for the Private Pilot certificate is not authorized for senior members. (Qualifying cadets may participate in the CAP "solo encampment" program. This provides supplemental funding and instruction for cadets to achieve their first solo flight as a student pilot.)

I am a recreational pilot. Is that OK?

Members must be Private Pilots and meet certain PIC minimums to qualify as CAP pilots. (See CAP Pilot Requirements for more details.)

I am a flight instructor. Is that helpful?

Yes, definitely. Generally, only CAP members are authorized to fly CAP aircraft, and so CAP instructor pilots are needed to provide recurrent training to CAP pilots. Qualified CAP instructor pilots can also serve as CAP check pilots, and give checkrides to CAP pilots.

What about gliders?

The cadet flight orientation program includes the ability for cadets to fly glider flights, if qualified glider pilots, aircraft, and facilities are available.

What about helicopters?

CAP does not fly helicopters.

I want to build flight time. Is CAP a good way?

While there are certain types of missions that can provide significant flight time to CAP pilots at no cost to them, these missions are often not available to new CAP members who do not yet qualify for them. CAP members desiring to achieve various mission qualifications, or flight instructors willing to serve as CAP instructor and check pilots, have the opportunity to fly quite a bit.

Can I use CAP planes for my personal use?

No, only authorized CAP flight activities are allowed; this does not include personal use. (However, proficiency, or practice flights are authorized.)

Can I use my own airplane in CAP operations?

Occasionally, member-owned aircraft are authorized for various mission and training activities. These must be approved on an individual basis. Reimbursement for flight time, if authorized, is made at standard rates depending on aircraft type.

What about insurance?

Certain insurance coverages apply for CAP members while participating in CAP activities. These include liability as well as federal workers compensation coverage. (See CAPR 900-5 for more details.)

Do I need to have a commercial pilot certificate?

Most CAP flight activities are not considered commercial activities, and so do not require a commercial pilot certificate. However, the FAA has determined that certain flight operations are considered commercial in nature and do require a commercial pilot and current 2nd class medical certificate. (These include flying non-CAP members, such as certain government and law enforcement officers on certain types of business.)

Do you follow Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) on missions?

Yes, all CAP flight operations must adhere to all applicable FAR's, even during search-and-rescue operations.

What sort of training is required to be in CAP?

Various training is required to participate in the different operational mission activities (Ground Team, aircrew observer, etc.). Members decide if they want to pursue such qualifications based on their personal interests. Training in the various unit staff positions (for example, Public Affairs, Communications, and Administration) is provided by various self-study and classroom courses, some of which are provided through the Air Force training command.

How do I get this training? When does the training happen?

Self-study training is available via mail order. Classroom training is usually scheduled around the Wing (state) on a regular basis. (Aircrew observer classroom training is usually held twice a year in the Houston area, for example.)

Do I have to take vacation days to get trained?

Training is usually offered on weekends, allowing most members to participate without needing to miss work.

What do you do at the meetings?

Weekly squadron meetings typically include military drills and related training for cadets. Senior members typically plan for continued training in Emergency Services operations, or otherwise organize future squadron activities.

What is the cadet program all about?

The cadet program is designed to inspire the country's youth to become leaders and good citizens. Through studies and other activities, cadets work their way through a series of achievements, each of which encompasses special activities, aerospace education, leadership laboratory, moral leadership and physical fitness. They learn leadership, teamwork and discipline.
Today, approximately 10% of the students enrolled in the Air Force Academy are former Civil Air Patrol cadets. Cadets earning the Billy Mitchell Award are eligible to enlist in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard in an advanced pay grade.

What do cadets do?

A variety of activities occur at the local, national, or international level. Local cadet training might include orientation flights, military drill and ceremonies, rescue and first aid training, model rocketry or communications. Squadrons have many of their own activities, such as bivouacs, tours or assisting with community events such as an air show. Cadets may also participate in encampments at military bases, solo encampments or in the International Air Cadet Exchange program.

Why do cadets wear camouflage?

Cadet uniforms closely resemble U.S. Air Force uniforms. One of these is the camouflage "battle dress uniform". Cadets learn the proper wear and care of these uniforms as part of their training.

As a cadet, what am I going to gain from membership?

As a cadet, you will gain experience in leadership and followership that you will carry with you the rest of your life, whether you decide to join the military or pursue a civilian career.

How much does cadet membership cost?

Membership dues are $36.00 for National plus $5.00 for Wing. (There are also occasional expenses for uniforms, certain activities, etc.)