SAR/DR Pilot: How Long?

Chicago_Pilot · January 22, 2009, 03:46:55 AM

I have not joined CAP yet, but I have attended two meetings (with a 3rd coming up next week).

A big question on my mind is how long it will take me to become a mission pilot. I am a CFI/CFII with about 900 hours TT, 200 Complex, and 20 hours in 182s (most of the time is in 172s). I still instruct regularly.

I don't want to come off as only joining CAP to fly, but it seems like this is where I can make the biggest contribution. So I am eager to get to the mission pilot status.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

RiverAux · January 22, 2009, 03:58:00 AM

It primarily depends on you and how much time you want to devote to it. If you are in a major rush and are willing to fork out some of your own cash, it could happen within 6 months. If you'd rather wait to do your training on funded training or actual missions it could take a year or two. I won't get into all the details, but the things that could hold you up the most would be having to do 2 practice or actual missions as a scanner (backseat) trainee and then having to do 2 practice or actual missions as a mission pilot trainee before becoming fully qualified. Depending on how busy your area is you may or may not have to wait a while for those missions to happen.

heliodoc · January 22, 2009, 04:07:38 AM

Chi Pilot

From my point, I have been a MP for only approx 2 years and it takes awhile.

Some Wings (like the one I came from 2 yrs ago) all the retired folks and younger CFI's and biz owners were not shy about flying.

I'd would say (not being a CFI , yet) ask the members who are pilots where their strengths and weaknesses are and maybe help or assist in Form 5 preparation. The Wing I now currently reside in, in some cases have stretched Form 5's sometime over a 1 year period and NO signoffs, indicating to me, that those CFI's aren't sure of themselves or the people they are checking out.

You get a lot of heat from folks about the flying game, "the flying club" stuff. DO what you do best. If you show that you have an interest from the PVT to the ATP type, you'll make some inroads.

Again, you are a CFI, an ally to the CAP pilot community. I have fair idea what and how much dinero you have spent and you WILL spend more in CAP, timewise and no pay for your CFI time, in this organization.

Let some of the membership chirp at you about joining to fly. This is my 2nd time around, I was a former helo mech (UH1 and UH60) A&P and now COMML / INST / MULTI and this spring, CFI. I currently have approx 750 hrs

Welcome aboard, Sir

SJFedor · January 22, 2009, 04:32:33 AM

Quote from: Chicago_Pilot on January 22, 2009, 03:46:55 AM
I have not joined CAP yet, but I have attended two meetings (with a 3rd coming up next week).

A big question on my mind is how long it will take me to become a mission pilot. I am a CFI/CFII with about 900 hours TT, 200 Complex, and 20 hours in 182s (most of the time is in 172s). I still instruct regularly.

I don't want to come off as only joining CAP to fly, but it seems like this is where I can make the biggest contribution. So I am eager to get to the mission pilot status.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[shameless NESA plug]

Welcome to CAP! I'd highly recommend trying to attend one of the two NESA Mission Aircrew School intermediate courses this summer (Mission Pilot track), as it is a 1 week intensive course that will give you all the tools to get yourself well on your way, if not fully qualified, as a mission pilot. The school is running the last week of June and the 1st week of July this year. You'll just need to finish your MS prior to arriving at the school and be Form 5'ed, which shouldn't be an issue.

Plus, your Wing DO is actually our commandant, so he likes for you guys in IL to come down and play

[/shameless plug]

Chicago_Pilot · January 22, 2009, 04:44:27 AM

Thanks. I really appreciate the perspectives and advice given so far.

IceNine · January 22, 2009, 06:36:12 AM

There are a few other things to consider.

New pilots that "walk in my door" have to show a desire to learn the program, and a dedication beyond flying. It is often said that CAP is not a flying club and I try to foster that image.

What is important is for you to take some time and learn what CAP is beyond flying. Shadow someone in Cadet Programs, Do some ground or base training, etc.

Pick a job that you could enjoy and that the unit needs. Because while you may feel that your biggest contribution will be in flying SAR/DR the reality is that SAR/DR will consume about 10-20% of your time, the rest is up to you.

You will get to Mission pilot in a relatively short amount of time but get the feeling for CAP first then work on expanding your skills

Flying Pig · January 22, 2009, 04:40:02 PM

Its all about your availability. It took me about 9 months. At the same time, go to your Sq. Commander and ask him where he needs help. Look at the staff positions available and approach him on a couple you might like to do, but be ready to take on what where he needs help. Keep in mind, whatever positions are not filled, the Sq. Commander has to do those jobs. For some, depending on the size of the unit, it can seem like a full time job. The Sq. Commanders job isnt one night per week.

In my unit, we dont throw the keys to anyone. And we sure arent going to sit back and o the paperwork while you go fly. (I dont mean YOU personally) CAP is a big animal. Being a pilot is an important part, but the first time you go to an activity or mission base, youll realize the support staff can often outnumber the aircrews. When new members come in, the first thing I tell them is..."See all of this? See the cadets, the facilities, the airplane? It doesnt happen on its own."

CAP also doesnt just happen at the Squadron level. There is a whole world beyond the meetings. I am trying to get some of my members who are complaining that the one night a week meetings arent keeping them interested to realize this. I ask, have you attended any conferences? No. Have you completed your online classes? No. HAve you taken any of the MANY online CAP course? No. Have you attended any of the weekend activities offered in the Wing?, Comm, ES, SAREX's? No. Have you offered to teach a class? No.
Its not the Sq. Commanders job to entertain his/her members. CAP is 100% self initiative. If you want the training, look for it. Ask. People come in at different levels all of the time. Its impossible for the Squadron Commander to keep up with everyone. As a CFI, you may as well get involved in the cadet program also, because your going to be giving O-Rides after you get your sign off. And the Cadets are going to bombard you with questions.
Nobody is going to bring it to you. Like everyone else, myself and my Deputy Commander have families, jobs, kids, etc. Help us out!!

Nomex Maximus · January 22, 2009, 05:02:32 PM

It can be slow going. I had to run up about 50 more PIC hours before I met the 200 minimum. I have been at it for about two years and still need one task signed off and one more mission (which I might pay for) and the form 91 checkride (I sure have had a lot of checkrides since joining CAP...)

There is the option of NESA - I tried it but well, that's another story...

Nomex Maximus · January 25, 2009, 03:46:10 AM

...did I just kill another thread?

Flying Pig · January 25, 2009, 04:06:16 AM

I think you delt the killing blow

CrewDog · January 25, 2009, 06:28:00 PM

Chicago Pilot, 1st and foremost, welcome to CAP. Many replies hit on a couple of themes. CAP is not a flying club and there's more to CAP than the flying. Don't let this scare you away. CAP needs competant pilots, and since you are coming on board as a CFI you're ahead of the curve. Here's my take on the non flying club; when you fly, fly for proficiency or currency. 1st get your Form 5. You must pass a Form 5 to CFI standards to be a certified CAP CFI. As far as the MP stuff. Definately look into NESA. If you can't do this, take the long route. Get checked out as a scanner and learn what Mission Flying is all about. In the mean time, bring something to the table beyond the flying. It's a nice boat ride, but we need people to row and not just enjoy the view. As far as how long it will take....it's up to you. The more time you have to train the better. You get out of it what you put in. Good Luck!

Short Field · January 25, 2009, 08:24:53 PM

If you attend NESA to attend the Mission Pilot track, you will have to be a Mission Scanner and have a current Fm 5. This year they are offering a Mission Scanner/Photographer track for the first time.

http://nesa.cap.gov/

es_g0d · January 27, 2009, 10:39:15 PM

I strongly echo the positive comments about the NESA Mission Aircrew School. You'll find that its the best way to become qualified as an aircrew member in CAP. Being who I am, I'd further argue that its the best course in the Civil Air Patrol. Welcome, we need you!

SJFedor · January 28, 2009, 03:19:13 AM

Quote from: es_g0d on January 27, 2009, 10:39:15 PM
I strongly echo the positive comments about the NESA Mission Aircrew School. You'll find that its the best way to become qualified as an aircrew member in CAP. Being who I am, I'd further argue that its the best course in the Civil Air Patrol. Welcome, we need you!

I'd figure you'd say that the NESA Advanced MAS course was the best course in the Civil Air Patrol....

es_g0d · January 28, 2009, 03:26:57 AM

WHICH advanced course?

Ah, you're so 2008, Stevie!

But of course I'm a little partial to the Aircrew Instructor Course, but that's just me.

In all honesty, what's now billed as the "Intermediate Pilot / Observer" course, or the traditional MAS curriculum, IS the best-developed and conducted course in CAP. That's the good news...AND the bad news.

SJFedor · January 28, 2009, 03:36:39 AM

Quote from: es_g0d on January 28, 2009, 03:26:57 AM
WHICH advanced course? Ah, you're so 2008, Stevie!

But of course I'm a little partial to the Aircrew Instructor Course, but that's just me.

In all honesty, what's now billed as the "Intermediate Pilot / Observer" course, or the traditional MAS curriculum, IS the best-developed and conducted course in CAP. That's the good news...AND the bad news.

Haha. Yeah I know, i gotta catch up w/ all that's going down lately.