Author Topic: Civil Air Patrol...Should I? (Read 254 times)

muckmaw · « **on:** February 24, 2004, 02:08:35 PM »

I read an article on the CAP and was considering joining.

After called the number in the article, I got the feeling this is a half assed Mom and Pop operation.

Anyone have any first hand experience?

I was interested in participating in the SAR missions.

Thanks.

FUNKED1 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2004, 02:12:36 PM »

My only experience is watching them at airshows. Looks like a bunch of boy scout USAF wannabees.

LePaul · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2004, 02:31:50 PM »

Yea true.

Every outfit is different

The local one has had its "administrations" of wannabes. You know, the type that never served in the military but give them a uniform and behold...the long lost Napoleon!

The cadet program is fun, if the right folks are running it. When I went thru, I was like 14 and the guy who was involved was a retired fighter pilot and man, he told some great stories and taught us a lot. It was a lot of fun...granted this is early 80s stuff...so wearing camoflague and LIKING the military was all pretty en vogue.

The Senoir program, which I havent been a part of for a while, is a mixed bag. We seem to have half the group that's my age (34) or so, eager to fly, build up the hours, learn the search grids and practice. The other half, the old fuddy duddies, wanna sit around and talk about the old days and acheive nothing.

The C-172 we had was new and had a impressive radio stack. Tacky paint job...but a really nicely maintained bird.

So...check it out. If they sounds like a para military, gung-ho group...it could be fun. Every Squadron is different. I've seen some really sad looking guys in uniform...and I've also seen some ordinary folks really enjoy and have fun with it.

CMC Airboss · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2004, 02:44:02 PM »

I've been a CAP member for the better part of 12 years. I've found it rewarding and frustrating. In general, you get out what you put in.

When I started in Massachusetts with the Hanscom Composite Squadron, there were lots of oppurtunities to fly Search missions. Rescue missions are done by ground teams manned by cadets and led by CAP officers. I was a rated observer and building toward 250 hours of flying time so that I could obtain mission pilot status. That was rewarding, with lots of free flight instruction and cheap airplane "rentals." We basically paid for fuel unless it was a sponsored training mission or actual mission. Then there were no costs. The MA CAP was fairly well run by retired military officers and enjoyable. Great commraderie.

Before obtaining mission pilot rating, I moved to Washington. In WA, there is no primary search mission for the CAP. Washington state has their own search and rescue (tax funded) service. The result is a CAP organization that is nearly dedicated to cadet training. If you really like kids, its great. If you want to fly, its not.

Bottom line - make sure you understand the CAP's mission in your state. If you want to fly, get in a squadron with several airplanes at its disposal. Talk to the squadron leadership and get their input about opportunities to fly.

Caveats - as a Civil Air Patrol member of the US Air Force Auxiliary, there is possibility that you can be called to active duty in times of national emergency. You will also have to receive a thorough FBI background check.

MiG

AKCasca · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2004, 02:53:35 PM »

Pretty much what LePaul said.

The cadet program can be a very good thing if the person is motivated. The perks of a very reduced rate for flight instruction and a better shot at a service academy are not to be sneezed at.
The summer camps are pretty fun also. be surprised at what you will learn.

In the Senior program if your have a PPL or better you can get commisioned and have CAP pay for your flight time on SAR or use one of the birds for currency training and just pick up gas. The opportunity to teach kids that are there because they want to be is rewarding also.

The best bet for you is to go out to the field and introduce yourself and hang with them at a few meetings to see if its the kind of crew you want to spend time with.

As for boyscout USAF wannabees, the airshows are the perks for the kids. the classwork they do and the SAR work isnt seen. so phhhhht oh Funky1

Rafe35 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2004, 03:24:05 PM »

There one CAP squadron on north arkanasa call 90th Squadron(i think that it) and im thinkin' about to joined CAP next week or not.

CMC Airboss · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2004, 06:11:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by FUNKED1
My only experience is watching them at airshows. Looks like a bunch of boy scout USAF wannabees.

Funked, thats like judging all AH pilots from their behavior at Conventions. You'd think they were all beer drinkin' computer gaming addicts with no life... Hmmmm, what point was I trying to make?

But seriously, the cadet program is one of the most constructive endeavors that youths can be a part of. They learn about aerospace, take flight lessons, learn good values, and become leaders in their own right.

MiG

SunTracker · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2004, 08:34:54 PM »

My dad was Lt in CAP in Louisville KY. He got to spend hundreds of hours flying a L-4 Grasshopper from the observers seat (dual controls).