CAP Searching for pilot in Mexico?

[jimmydeanno]

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Air-Force-Team-Joins-Search-for-Pilot-in-Mexico/Mv5iL7z3Z0SSw5TG_ptFNA.cspx

MCALLEN - The United States and Mexico have joined forces to look for a McAllen pilot who went missing in Mexico.

A special Air Force Auxiliary Team called the Civil Air Patrol launched their efforts to search, and if need be rescue Andy Howard.

Howard was reported missing about a week ago.

He was flying home from Torreon, Mexico.

Family members say he was forced to fly off-course towards San Fernando because of bad weather.

The volunteer pilots of the Civil Air Patrol say they will help search for Howard until he is found, or until they are told to stop.

Anyone have any more details?

[Eclipse]

My Wing's PA sent us a link to the same story, with a comment that CAP was, in fact, in Mexico searching.
I imagine this is going to be an interesting story, regardless...

[Flying Pig]

What Wing/Wings are doing the search? TX?  From reading some related articles, it mentions the USAF is working with the US Embassy in Mexico CIty and the US Embassy will fund 5 days of the search. 

[Short Field]

It would almost have to be the TX Wing.  McAllen is near the border of Mexico just north of Brownsville TX.   The aircraft, N53DJ,  is believed to have ran out of fuel  40-80 miles south of McAllen on the way back from Torreon Mexico.   It was a charter flight that dropped off two passengers, decided not to refuel, and then took off for the return flight to McAllen.  The airplane went down on 31 Aug.  This article talks about a private search party of four airplanes organized by the charter company that was searching in Mexico.

http://www.themonitor.com/articles/howard-30285-mcallen-pilot.html

[MooneyMeyer]

Yep, I know for a fact it's TX wing.

[Flying Pig]

Dont leave us hanging!  So are they actually searching IN Mexico or are they searching the border and routes back to McAllen?

[MooneyMeyer]

They are actually crossing the border by invitation of the Mexican government.

[Flying Pig]

Wow....we are going to need a CAP Expeditionary Medal!  I hope this turns out well.

[Smokey]

WOW...an invasion of Mexico.   How ironic!!!

Does this qualify the crews for the VFW?

[Eclipse]

Hmm...I recall conversations regarding the "U.S." name tapes that insisted they were unnecessary because we never leave the US.

Who knew?

With that said, I'd have to think about 3 times before I would consider venturing into the Mexican desert on a ground search, especially near the border...

[A.Member]

With that said, I'd have to think about 3 times before I would consider venturing into the Mexican desert on a ground search, especially near the border...

You and me both...an air search isn't particularly appealing either.  Not so long as I have a civilian status anyway.

[esilassy]

They are actually crossing the border by invitation of the Mexican government.

Well, it just so happens it is aerospace current events at our meeting tonight, I'll be sure to mention this neat little fact.   :clap:

[Flying Pig]

This just out.

New announcement for National Cadet Special Activities and new requirements for Mission Pilot/Observer/Scanner SQTR

http://www.gosere.com/

[jimmydeanno]

As much as I like the jokes (they are pretty funny) I am really interested in the backstory of this.  How did we end up being the search party, in another country?  Why wouldn't the AF take this one on its own?  Or perhaps border patrol? 

I think it is really neat that we're crossing the border to do this, but there doesn't seem to be much in terms of news on our end.

Have there been missions where we've done something like this before?  How about into Canadian Territory?

[A.Member]

Have there been missions where we've done something like this before?  How about into Canadian Territory?

Are you kidding?  It pretty much takes a signed statement from god just to take the airplane to another state. 

[Al Sayre]

I remember at least one joint SAR with Canada in the NY Border area back in the late 70's...

[RiverAux]

I had heard that they were looking for aircrew members with passports from all over for this mission. 

[bosshawk]

Having flown in Mexico a bunch of times, I seem to recall that Mexico has no Search and Rescue organization, so you are on your own if you venture into that country.  Not terrible surprised that they are allowing CAP to go down there and search for that guy.  It certainly would be an adventure, as is all GA flying in Mexico.

[Major Carrales]

Its true...the pilot lost is a friend of people I know.  In fact, a fellow asked me a few days prior to the activation if it was possible for CAP to get involved.  I explained the subtleties of DOD and State Department machinations with the Mexican government.

This is a mission of history setting precedents, we need to make sure we are professional in our practices as in all occasions.

[RiverAux]

CAP was in Mexico in WWII.  Flying Minutemen, p. 41-42
A CAP plane flew 150 miles into Mexican waters in 1943 to escort a valuable cargo ship.  During the flight they were intercepted by 3 Mexican aircraft but apparently continued with the mission.  The landed at Vera Cruz to refuel and were detained for a while until the crews of the Mexican aircraft landed and told the folks on the ground what had been going on.  NOt long after this event CAP was officially cleared to escort ships through Mexican waters.