I'm looking at joining, and I was just listing the pros/cons
Pros: cheap rental planes, looks good on a transcript
Cons: closest squadron is about a 40 mile drive, and it takes up more of my time.
I was a member several years ago, but my parents got tired of driving me, and now I'm driving myself everywhere and they gave me the green light to join again.
Couple of questions. Do I have to be a member for a certain amount of time before I can rent planes? And what age do I have to be to go on a SAR mission?
I don't expect to be a pilot on one, but I've got sharp eyes and I think I'd be a good asset.
Also,
if you're 18 or older, you'll be re-joining as a senior member, not a cadet. if you've joined as a senior member, i believe you cannot take primary flight training in a cap aircraft, although you can take proficiency training in them.
as a cadet it's different, but i cannot remember. check here, under member benifits.
http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/ the best/fastest way to get yourself into the air, is to join, take your level1 course, then go for scanner training. persevere with it. the initial classes for scanner will be on the ground in a classroom, but they will get you into the air though.
after you've certified as a scanner, go to a couple of SAREX'S, and get sa couple of missions under your belt. then go got observer training. this will get you into the right seat, and teach you basic radio operation.