Should CAP Start Training for UAV's?

[754837]

No, we don't need to fly airplanes, it's just fun to do.  As long as civilians can fly airplanes, we should. 

Just a reminder, CAP pilots & other members are civilians, not members of the military.  It is dangerous to forget this point.

[SarDragon]

Huh?

Could you elaborate on that?

[bflynn]

No, we don't need to fly airplanes, it's just fun to do.  As long as civilians can fly airplanes, we should. 

Just a reminder, CAP pilots & other members are civilians, not members of the military.  It is dangerous to forget this point.

I think you missed the meaning behind that.  We are all civilians.  As long as we're allowed to fly, we should fly and not operate UAVs.  Flying is fun. 

[a2capt]

I have a 100 minute head start. That's how.

Yupper-uppers...
Someone I know took Southwest to Las Vegas from San Diego Lindbergh. We left our driveways at the exact same time.
I picked them up curbside at McCarran after making two turns in the traffic pattern abeam the terminal.

Interstate 15 beat Victor 394.

Then we went to Steak 'n Shake, and went back home.

[bflynn]

I have a 100 minute head start. That's how.

Yupper-uppers...
Someone I know took Southwest to Las Vegas from San Diego Lindbergh. We left our driveways at the exact same time.
I picked them up curbside at McCarran after making two turns in the traffic pattern abeam the terminal.

Interstate 15 beat Victor 394.

Then we went to Steak 'n Shake, and went back home.

Lol, that's no surprise.  I had to fly last month to a place 500 milesaway.  I left home at 2pm and arrived at 1am.  Air Flynn would have gotten me there in about 4 hours....at about 2.5 times the cost   It happens all the time.

[peter rabbit]

On page 17 of the new Volunteeer magazine, Lt Gen Clarke is quoted as saying CAP should rethink its position on unmanned aircraft/vehicles/systems and add that to our portfolio.

[RADIOMAN015]

On page 17 of the new Volunteeer magazine, Lt Gen Clarke is quoted as saying CAP should rethink its position on unmanned aircraft/vehicles/systems and add that to our portfolio.

I noted that also.  I'm wondering IF he sees the use at more of a tactical level, with smaller aircraft and helos rather than what the USAF or USA are currently flying.  It would be interesting to get a better interpretation of what he meant.

My wing was talking about this 2 1/2 years ago but it never went anywhere.  They were fooling around with some ground based robot models, but from my standpoint we are the Civil AIR Patrol, and it stands to reason we should be directing our efforts on the flying side of this with a progression for both cadets & seniors, flying different types of r/c aircraft & helos.  Some squadrons currently have large model r/c aircraft they are flying that probably could be equipped with some sort of a camera.  There's examples on the internet of hobbyists using aircraft & helicopters radio controlled to take pictures/videos, so it can be done.

Actually in 2011 the AF was going to train more UAV pilots than fighter & bomber pilots combined see:  http://www.npr.org/2011/11/29/142858358/drone-pilots-the-future-of-aerial-warfare   
 
RM

[blackrain]

Pretty interesting article about all the domestic users of UAVs. The Electronic Frontier Foundation made a FOIA request to the FAA for a list of UAV operators in the US.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/04/faa-releases-its-list-drone-certificates-leaves-many-questions-unanswered

[FARRIER]

On page 17 of the new Volunteeer magazine, Lt Gen Clarke is quoted as saying CAP should rethink its position on unmanned aircraft/vehicles/systems and add that to our portfolio.

Hopefully that was more than just a suggestion behind doors.

[Flying Pig]

As soon as the AF starts footing the bill for CAP members to operate UAVs Im sure the qualification badge will be soon to follow.  Until then CAP doesnt have the resources to have them. 

[bassque]

Just go to school where they are training UAV operations.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2134376/Is-drone-neighbourhood-Rise-killer-spy-planes-exposed-FAA-forced-reveal-63-launch-sites-U-S.html

[SARDOC]

I would think the WASP III would be a great alternative to the money we are spending on the GIIEP program if we can transmit live full motion video.