New Senior Member - What to Expect?

[JBurke]

Greetings, all.  After trying to coordinate all the various sources of information out there, I thought I'd see if any experienced members could shed some light on a few points.

Thanks for your patience while I give some background: I earned my private pilot certificate about two years ago, but I am still under 100 hours of total time (about 60 PIC).  I officially joined CAP just about two months ago, and my Level 1 was wrapped up last month.  I would like to put my piloting skills to work for the group, but I really feel that the overall promotion of general aviation is paramount.  I enjoy teaching cadets (and other SM's for that matter) and I am looking at the AE track (215) for my PD (look at me with the acronyms). 

I see that many folks on here are ex-cadets or ex-military (ditto for my local squadron).  I am neither, so it is a big hurdle to simply get into the swing of things.  So, I have a few questions:

1. When it comes to flying, what am I able to do at this point in my hours?  I've seen requirements for 100 hours PIC to be Mission Transport Pilot.  Is this the first step (besides being in the plane as a scanner or observer)?

2. Since I have a private certificate and have passed Level 1, it appears from CAPR 35-5 that I can earn 2nd Lt. rank immediately.  It looks like it still depends on the squadron commander's recommendation, but what do I do?  Is there any particular reason I should care about getting it done now if I can?  Do I just go to the commander and point to the regulation?  Does he just fill out a form?

3. If I move forward with the AE track, is there a particular method to follow?  The requirements, while seemingly specific, still leave much to the imagination.  Who should I work with?  The wing safety officer handed me a pile of handbooks for AE officers, but do I just approach this on my own?  Who do I talk to about signing off on the various Technician rating steps?  What is the Yeager test about?  Besides simply reading through the officer's handbook and Journey of Flight, are there any other resources?

I'll leave it at that for now.  I look forward to your thoughts.  Thanks to anyone who cares to dive in.

[High Speed Low Drag]

I am glad to hear that you are interested in the cadets.  I am from Cadet Programs and can tell you that unfortunately there are a lot of senior members that don't want a thing to do with cadets.  So thank you for your interest.  These cadets need positive role models and are always happy to have a new senior members take an intrest in them.

Can't help you with the rest (non-pilot and not AE).

Good luck in your CAP career!

[bosshawk]

I'll try to address the flying part.  Become qualified as a Scanner(or Observer if you are so inclined) and continue to build time toward the magic 100 hr mark.  If your Sq has an airplane, you might try to talk other MPS into letting you fly from the right seat from time to time to build up a few hours in the plane.  Otherwise, keep flying as time and money permit.  Once you become a Transport Pilot, keep volunteering for missions that require a TMP. 

It only takes time and money: like everything else about flying.

[AlphaSigOU]

Have you already taken your CAPF 5 check ride? Until you hit the 100-hour mark, you won't be able to check out for TMP. However, you can start your training as a mission scanner and later as a mission observer; this will give you a leg up on SAR and ES training. Once checked out in CAP aircraft, you can rent out CAP aircraft for proficiency training, especially useful if you want to get an instrument rating.

You'll need to fill out CAPF 2 requesting the special mission essential skills promotion to 2d Lt. Attach your current PPL and medical; the commander is the final authority regarding any special promotions. Some units will sign off on it quickly, others may want you to wait a little longer.

For most of your PD activities, you're pretty much left on your own to advance in your development, but keep an eye out for more experienced members in your squadron, group or wing who are willing to mentor you as you progress. (CAPTalk is a good place to get a start!) For AE, to earn a tech rating you will need to look through the requirements in CAPP 215 and take the online  AE tech rating test. When you pass the test, print out the certificate and include it with your request for application for the tech rating. Your group or wing director of aerospace education can also help you out here as well. The squadron commander is the final authority on signing off on your tech rating.

The questions on the Yeager test covers much of the information in the book 'Aerospace: The Challenge'. There are two versions of the test online, but you only need to pass one.

Hope this helps you out. Any questions, don't be afraid to ask!

[LtCol057]

I know the regs say that if you are a Private pilot, after you complete Level 1, you can be promoted to 2nd Lt.  However, I also know that several commanders (myself included) may hold your promotion for approx 6 months.  This is because we want to see a few things.  1) how active you are.  2) Are you contributing to the overall mission of the squadron.  3) are you just there for the cheaper flying. 

Holding a promotion is nothing personal.  Your commander may not hold yours back.  Ask. 

As far as your PD training track, if your squadron has someone that already has a rating for 215, ask them to help mentor you.  If not, ask your commander for the contact info for the AE officer at group or wing.  They should be able and willing to help you. 

Good luck, and welcome to CAP.