Pilots: How would you like to use your skill and abilities to serve your community, develop friendships with a team of dedicated volunteers, and gain opportunities to get more flight time? If this sounds good to you, Long Beach Senior Squadron 150, Civil Air Patrol would like to encourage you to join our team!
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| Squadron Commander Maj. (then Capt.) David Powell during a Civil Air Patrol training exercise mission (Civil Air Patrol photo by 1st Lt. Rommel Anacan) |
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) owns the largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft (primarily Cessna 172s and 182s) in the United States and we use them to perform missions in emergency services, disaster relief, homeland security, cadet orientation flights, counter drug operations, training exercises and proficiency flights.
How do I become a CAP pilot?
There are different levels of pilot qualifications in Civil Air Patrol, all with their own specific requirements. In all honestly, the road to becoming a pilot is not an instantaneous one…but it is worthwhile.
Here are some of the basic qualifications to be a CAP pilot (and yes, these can change!)
Be an active CAP member at least 17 years of age
Possess a valid FAA private, commercial or airline transport pilot certificate
Possess a class III or higher medical certificate
Possess a current flight review IAW FAR 61.56
Satisfactorily complete a CAP flight check
Once you’ve met the minimum requirements you will then need to meet the specific requirements for the different types of missions that pilots fly in CAP.
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| View from Cessna 182 during a Civil Air Patrol training mission (Civil Air Patrol photo by 1st Lt. Rommel Anacan) |
Do I have to pay to fly?
One of the benefits of being a pilot for Civil Air Patrol is that there may be opportunities for you to receive reimbursements for some of your flying! Keep in mind, reimbursed flying is NOT available when first becoming qualified to fly in CAP. As a new member, you will be responsible for aircraft fuel and a flat rate per hour fee. This applies to the instructional flights one should have prior to taking the flight evaluation to become a CAP pilot, the evaluation itself and all flying after that until becoming mission qualified.
Once qualified as a Transport Mission Pilot you will be eligible for reimbursed flying during scheduled training missions and actual missions. Other opportunities to participate in reimbursed flying occur when you qualify as a Search and Rescue/Disaster Relief Pilot or Cadet Orientation Pilot.
Because CAP is a non-profit corporation, you may be able to deduct expenses incurred as a result of your membership in Civil Air Patrol as a charitable contribution. (Please check with your tax advisor for more details.)
What is the benefit to me?
CAP is composed entirely of volunteers who have chosen to serve our communities. As a CAP pilot you may find yourself using your unique skills and talents to help find a downed aircraft, assist the US Air Force on a training mission, take a cadet up on his/her first flight in an aircraft, and more!
