California Wing UDF team w/lights and sirens

[Thom]

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Do I think we need LEO escorts with lights and sirens and whatnot?  Not usually.  99% of the time it would probably be un-needed.   But I imagine there are rare circumstances wherein local law enforcement might support a CAP ground or UDF team with an escort, but again -- they play by their rules, not CAP's.
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In some of the areas where my and a neighboring squadron operate, a police escort and possibly a SWAT team would be a welcome addition.   

In all serious, there are some areas where it might be dangerous for us to operate, particularly so if some of our "other" tasked missions were known.  The CC of another area squadron had magnetic signs made up that say "Search and Rescue" in both English and Spanish, I want to get a set for my squadron as well.  There are some things we need to start thinking about before we run into a major issue...

I'll second the notion of 'signage' to show what our vehicles are about when they are out hunting.  The SAR signs available should be perfectly usable, no need for CAP specific signs, though those would be OK.

The signs have multiple purposes:

1.  Let everyone know who we are and what we are doing.  Not a bad thing when you have a van prowling around a deserted airport or industrial or dock area at 0200.  Keeps the neighbors from making unnecessary prowler calls and lets the Cops know who we are on sight.

2.  Let everyone know we are NOT the Cops!  SAR isn't on anyone's list to be targeted.  Even the backwoods weed farmers would be more likely to just avoid us than start a confrontation.

3.  Let everyone know we will be driving erratically.  SAR is hunting for things.  Most people would understand that we might be making sudden stops or quick turns.  (Assuming they tear themselves away from their texting long enough to see the big white van stopped in front of them.

4.  MIGHT get you out of a parking ticket.  Maybe.   

Thom Hamilton

[Smokey]

Calguy is WRONG about the damage to the GA8. 

The damage was caused by a jet that made a 180 degree turn in the parking space next to the Airvan.  The Airvan was parked, tied down and unoccupied and the jet was already parked next to it.  No member marshalled the jet next to the Airvan. The incident is on video from the airport and the jet pilot has admitted fault and agreed to pay for the damage.  And I speak as an authority on this incident.

So Calguy.....you haven't got a clue.

[flynd94]

Calguy is WRONG about the damage to the GA8. 

The damage was caused by a jet that made a 180 degree turn in the parking space next to the Airvan.  The Airvan was parked, tied down and unoccupied and the jet was already parked next to it.  No member marshalled the jet next to the Airvan. The incident is on video from the airport and the jet pilot has admitted fault and agreed to pay for the damage.  And I speak as an authority on this incident.

So Calguy.....you haven't got a clue.

Smokey,

He never does have a clue.  I wish there was an ignore feature so, I wouldn't have to hear the fecal matter that he lets flow out of his mouth.

[Flying Pig]

Hey Rob, how is it going?  Yeah, I was actually back at ALEA in Savanna but I heard about it when I got back.  It was on the Guejito Ranch which has an old dirt air strip, about 4 miles north of Ramona Airport.  It is a popular training area for both helicopters and airplanes as the ranch is several thousand acres, (it's also somewhat historical in that it is the largest Spanish land grant still in existance in California.)

I don't know too many details other than the plane ended up upside down.  I guess one of our two fire helicotpers was in the area so they landed and ended up doing the medivac since Mercy Air had an extended ETA.
Anyway, let me know if you have any more qestions?  Take care!


Here ya go.  Although nothing about CAP blowing it off.  By the way, I wold mention CAP aircraft arent the only ones who DF ELT's.  Ive done it at work myself before and we almost always monitor 121.5.

[Gunner C]

Sometimes it's fun to have a bit of excitement on a routine UDF mission.  They're usually pretty boring after the 2nd or third mission of the weekend.  Having the local constabulary along can be fun, especially if they're having an otherwise boring night, too.

Sounds like the folks got the job done, had some contact with some cool cops, and otherwise spiced up a run-of-the-mill mission.  Good going, CAWG!