CAP Pilot FAQs

[Walkman]

I've got a possible recruit with a new pilot's license. Since we don't have any pilots in our squadron (we're working on it), we're a little light on info to give out to him. Our Group CC is our of the country for a few weeks and he's the best qualified to answer questions.

So I'm asking my fellow CAPTalker to help me out with a list of FAQs and answers that a new pilot recruit would need to know.

(If this get's good, maybe it could be a sticky...)

[_]

Not quite a FAQ but might be helpful.  From the MDWG website.

How to become a CAP pilot

Below is a step-by-step list of instructions explaining how to become a pilot in Civil Air Patrol.

   1. Obtain your CAP ID card and your CAP uniform
   2. As a basic qualification, you must be an FAA licensed Private Pilot or above, hold a current class 3 medical certificate and be current to carry passengers.
   3. Your logbook must contain a current flight review, in accordance with FAR 61.56.
   4. Download the CAPR 60-1 from the national web site.
   5. Study the 60-1.
   6. Take and pass the online test labelled "CAPR 60-1 Form 5 Annual Examination - Powered" online test.
   7. Print out your results.
   8. On the National website, download and print the "Statement of Understanding" and "Aircraft Questionnaire ."
   9. Complete the Statement of Understanding and Aircraft Questionnaire.
  10. On the National website, download and print the Form 5 check ride form .
  11. Go to the Stan/Eval page and print a copy of the list of Maryland Wing check pilots. Select a check pilot, call and schedule your check ride.
  12. Ask your check pilot to schedule the aircraft and obtain a flight release.
  13. Report to the check ride in a CAP uniform and have, your FAA certificate and medical, logbook, completed Aircraft Questionnaire, completed Statement of Understanding, CAP ID card, and have the top portion of the form 5 filled out.
  14. Pass the oral exam and the check ride.
  15. Have your squadron Operations officer sign your completed CAP Form 5.
  16. Go back to the Stan/Eval page and printout the "Form 5 Submission Checklist"
  17. Assemble the documents listed on the Submission Checklist and make three copies.
  18. Using the Submission Checklist as a cover sheet, mail the original documents to our Wing Stan/Eval Officer, by regular mail, to his homeaddress. Give the second copy of this packet to your squadron commander for squadron files and retain the third copy for your personal files.
  19. Begin training for Cadet Orientation Pilot and Mission Pilot!

How to become a CAP Mission Pilot

Below is a step-by-step list of instructions explaining how to become a pilot in Civil Air Patrol.

   1. The first step is be a current CAP Pilot with at least 175 hours PIC and 50 hours of cross country time. (You can also be designated a Transport Mission Pilot at just 100 hours PIC and 50 hours cross country time.) You must also have earned the Senior Member Level 1 and be GES qualified.
   2. Take and pass the online test labelled "GES 117 Continuing Education Part 2." Download and print the certificate.
   3. Obtain a CAP BCUT qualification. These classes are offered regularly by Wing, Groups and squadrons, consult the Wing calendar for dates and times.
   4. QUALIFY as a MISSION SCANNER:
         1. Go to the CAP e-services website, download and print a Mission Scanner, SQTR training card and complete the "Prerequisites" section.
         2. Train for and complete all the Familiarization and Preparatory tasks. This can be done in either a classroom or one on one session. The trainer must be an approved Evaluator and follow the syllabus outlined in the "Aircrew & Flightline Tasks" bluebook.
         3. Train for and complete the Advanced Training portion of the SQTR. This training may be conducted during the required two mission flights. These flights may be conducted during either a Wing, Group or Squadron training exercise with a mission number or a Bridge or Bay Patrol mission.
         4. Process your completed Mission Scanner SQTR through channels and obtain Wing designation as a Mission Scanner.
   5. Go to the CAP e-services website, download and print the Mission Pilot SQTR card, complete the "Prerequisites" section.
   6. Train for and complete all the Familiarization & Preparatory tasks. (see 4b)
   7. Train for and complete the Advanced Training portion of the SQTR. This training may be done on training flights conducted in accordance with approved training syllabus, a Wing or Group SAREX with a Wing approved mission number or an actual mission.
   8. Fly as a Mission Pilot trainee on two missions. These must be Wing approved Missions.
   9. Go to the National website, download and print a CAPF 91  checkride card.
  10. When your SQTR is complete, go to the Stan/Eval page and select a Mission Pilot Checkpilot, call and schedule your form 91 checkride. Report to the checkride in a CAP uniform, have all your FAA flying credentials, completed Mission Pilot SQTR, CAPID and GES cards and a gridded sectional chart, no older than two years.
  11. Pass the oral and checkride!
  12. Submit your completed CAP Form 91 to the Maryland Wing Stan/Eval Officer, as you did your CAP Form 5.
  13. Enter all your Mission Pilot data into MIMS.
  14. Submit copies your completed CAPF 91 and SQTR to the Wing ES Officer, as you did your Mission Scanner card.
  15. Provide your squadron with a copy all documentation and retain copies for your files.

[Frenchie]

I'm assuming that since your squadron doesn't have any pilots, it doesn't have any planes either.

If the prospect wants to join CAP primarily to be on an aircrew, he really needs to join a squadron that has a plane.  He doesn't have to, but trying to be an aircrew member in a non-flying squadron is going to be a pain, particularly to someone who is just joining CAP.

Now if he wants to join CAP primarily for the programs your squadron offers, and just wants to also fly, this can certainly be done.  He'll just have to get his training and qualifications from another squadron or at the group level.

[Walkman]

I'm assuming that since your squadron doesn't have any pilots, it doesn't have any planes either.

If the prospect wants to join CAP primarily to be on an aircrew, he really needs to join a squadron that has a plane.  He doesn't have to, but trying to be an aircrew member in a non-flying squadron is going to be a pain, particularly to someone who is just joining CAP.

Now if he wants to join CAP primarily for the programs your squadron offers, and just wants to also fly, this can certainly be done.  He'll just have to get his training and qualifications from another squadron or at the group level.

You are correct. We've been fighting this battle for a while. The plan we are working on is our Group CC getting pilots thier quals and when we have the right numbers, we'll get a plane up here. A bit of a catch 22, but we're working on it the best we can.

[Walkman]

Good stuff, thanks!!!

Not quite a FAQ but might be helpful.  From the MDWG website.

[RiverAux]

I believe the Great Start Handbook has a checklist of all the steps a new member would have to follow to be a mission pilot.  Good thing to hand out to potential recruits as it shows them right up front that it ain't going to be easy or quick.