Civil Air Patrol FAQs

When can a CAP member participate in counterdrug operations? Before CAP members may participate in counterdrug operations, they must be a senior member, at least 21 years of age, with at least 2 years membership in CAP. Time spent as a cadet may be used to satisfy this two year requirement. For additional requirements please see CAPR 60-6. 2-2. Counterdrug Membership Requirements and Currency. The authorization to participate in the counterdrug program is a privilege, not a right. Wing CD members participate in the CD program at the discretion of the wing commander as well as the customer. Region CD staff members participate in the CD program at the discretion of the region commander as well as the customer. Every CAP member having access to or knowledge of actual CAP counterdrug missions and mission results must be a qualified CD member a. Appointment. The wing and region commanders select CAP members to participate in their counterdrug program. CAP members will be selected based on the reasonable certainty that the member is of good character and well motivated. They must be an appropriate representative of Civil Air Patrol in duties subject to high profile scrutiny by law enforcement agencies, Civil Air Patrol and Air Force senior commanders, news media and the general public. The following requirements must be met and maintained before the member may participate: 1) Be ES mission qualified and current in a specialty that has an application with the CD program. 2) Be a senior member, at least 21 years of age, with at least 2 years membership in CAP. Time spent as a cadet may be used to satisfy this requirement. b. The applicant must complete a CAPF 83, CAP Counterdrug Application, and submit it for review to the wing CDO for wing personnel or region CDD for region staff. Only the most current version of the CAPF 83 will be accepted. This form is a two-sided form, printed on the front and back of a single sheet of paper. Ensure the member has filled in all parts of every box on both sides. The wing CDO reviews, signs and forwards the CAPFs 83 to the wing commander to review member eligibility and for signature. The region CDD reviews, signs and forwards region CAPFs 83 to the region commander to review member eligibility and for signature. The customers require the wing or region commander to be actively involved in the counterdrug application and review process and require a wing or region commander signature on all CAPFs 83. Wing and region commanders will not delegate signatory responsibility for the CAPFs 83. When wing or region commanders submit their own individual CAPF 83, they will sign on the line for the applicant as well as the line for the wing/region commander. The wing CDO will review the wing commander’s CAPF 83 for completeness and sign on the line for the wing CDO. The region CDD will review the region commander’s CAPF 83 for completeness and sign on the line for region CDD. The wing CDO and region CDD submit their CAPFs 83, with original signatures and printed as a two-sided, single-sheet document, to the NHQ CAP Chief, Confidential Screening (NHQ/PMM) for processing. c. Screening. NHQ CAP/LMMC verifies the applicant’s CAP membership and the completeness of the member information on the CAPF 83, enters the pertinent information into the CD database, and forwards it to the appropriate federal agencies for background screening. If a screening agency disapproves member participation, the individual will not be allowed to participate in the CD program. NHQ CPA/LMMC will notify the appropriate wing CDO (or region CDD for a region staff member) and the member if the screening agency disapproves member participation. The screening agency does not provide the reason they decline the participation. Once the screening agency disapproves counterdrug program participation, the member has no right to appeal and the decision of the agency is final. d. Orientation. The member must complete the National Counterdrug Orientation course. The member may not complete the National Counterdrug Orientation course until after the screening process has been completed.

Where can I find the airborne photographer task guide information of tasks O-2201-2219? For more information on this topic, please click on the following link which will take you to the NESA website: NESA

What are the requirements for becoming a CAP Chaplain? For appointment as a CAP Chaplain individuals must meet the requirements found in CAPR 265-1 Paragraph 6. For more information please see the CAP Chaplain web page at https://capchaplain.com/chaplains/ If you have further questions you may contact the Chaplain Corps administrator at CAP National Headquarters at 877-227-9142 x418.

What type of mishaps need to be reported in the Safety Information and Reporting System SIRS? See current requirements outlined in CAP Regulation 62-2, Mishap Reporting and Investigation. The Mishap reporting utility can be found on the Safety Information and Reporting System (SIRS).

Where can I find the requirements for safety officers and the CAP safety program? Requirements for the Safety Specialty Track may be found in CAPP 217. Safety program requirements can be found in CAPR 62-1.

Are we authorized to wear CAP pilot wings with our uniform when not yet checked out in a CAP aircraft? Such as, a member who is a current private pilot but does not yet meet the CAP requirements? No. To wear the CAP pilot wings, you must be qualified as a CAP pilot which means meeting the requirements outlined in CAPR 35-6 which includes passing a CAPF 5 flight checks. Once the CAP pilot wings are earned, the member does not need to remain current to wear the wings.

CAPR 70-1 used to state that 200 hours PIC in type/cat (or SEL) was required for Cadet Orientation Pilot and also for mission pilot. However, after reviewing 70-1 and 60-3 I no longer see a definition for anything other than just 200 Hours PIC. Was the requirement removed that it was to be in SEL? Member in question has 175 PIC SEL and over 100 hours PIC in Rotary from the army? BOTTOM LINE: the 200 PIC time must be in fixed wing airplanes. The answer is derived from the FAA's definition of Airplane. Please see below. I have taken an excerpt from CAPR 70-1 and the FAA definition of Airplane. CAPR 70-1 refers to "For Powered Airplanes" as opposed to "For Gliders", but does use the word "airplane". Basically, an airplane has fixed-wings; therefore the 200 hours of PIC would have to be in an airplane. Since the total PIC time is a benchmark for a pilot's experience and judgment, the type/cat do not have to be identified in the regulation. It's up to a Check Pilot to determine whether a pilot is qualified to be an Orientation pilot. Classification of CAP pilots: CAP pilots may operate a CAP aircraft according to the classification of their experience and askills as follows: d. CAP Cadet, Teacher and ROTC/JROTC Orientation pilots. (3) For powered airplanes have 200 hours PIC time. FAA: Airplane. A engine-driven fixed wing heavier than air , that is supported in flight by the dynamic reactionof the air against its wings.

Where can I find a copy of the "Mission Aircrew Reference Text?" The text is available on the National Emergency Services Academy web site at: NESA

Do you have to be a commercial pilot to fly Cadet O-flights? No. Cadet Orientation Pilot requirements are covered in CAPR 70-1 (The link will take you to the publications page where you can find CAPR 70-1)

What is the policy on wearing the CAP uniform when visiting military bases? There is no requirement for CAP members to wear the uniform when visiting military bases, but you do have that option on stateside bases. For more information, please see CAPM 39-1, para 1.2.4.

What type of training will I receive as a CAP CDI? Aside from general CAP training provided by the CAP Professional Development Program, CDIs also follow a specialty track designed to help them become more effective. These specialty tracks can be found under "Pamphlets" on the CAP Forms and Pubs page of http://www.capmembers.com. Additionally, annual Chaplain Corps Region Staff Colleges provide additional ongoing training that is relevant to CDIs. There is also more helpful information and training opportunities on the CAP chaplain website at https://capchaplain.com

Where can I find copies of inspection materials? IG inspection materials including worksheets, report format, grade calculator, and IG knowledge base can be found on the CAP IG web page at the following link https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/cap-national-hq/inspector-general/inspection-checklist/

Where can I find information about the proper protocol for message urgency as in which message is more important than others? Message precedence is covered in para 1-14 of CAPR 100-3. Briefly, the precedence in order of importance are: a. FLASH (Z) b. IMMEDIATE (O) c. PRIORITY (P) d. ROUTINE ( R )

Where can I find the specific requirements for the Ground Team Qualification Badge? Paragraph 5 of CAPR 35-6 covers the requirements for award of Ground Team Badges. 5. Requirements for Award of the Ground Team Badges: a. Basic Ground Team Badge: Be qualified as a CAP ground team member IAW CAPR 60-3. b. Senior Ground Team Badge: (1) Be qualified as a CAP ground team leader IAW CAPR 60-3 or (2) Be qualified as a CAP ground team member – level one c. Master Ground Team Badge. Be qualified as a CAP ground branch director IAW CAPR 60-3.

What are the requirements for someone to train CAP members in their ground team member level 3 tasks? Do they just have to be GTM3 qualified and have their SQTR completed? They need to be a qualified evaluator in accordance with CAPR 60-3, paragraph 2-2 to sign off on tasks. That does not prevent other members from supervising them on missions or providing other instruction, but the tasks need to be signed off by a qualified evaluator. For ground team members that would be a member qualified to the same level or higher or other specialties that can sign off. For example a Ground Branch director could sign off on tasks done remotely if they can verify accomplishment, but they don't have to. See CAPR 60-3. Additionally, some wings have chosen to limit their list of evaluators further via approved supplement, so you may want to check with your wing to be sure that has not been done.

What is the protocol for wearing the mini-medals on a civilian formal wear at a formal function ( i.e. an Inaugural Ball)? CAPM 39-1 restricts members from wearing awards and decorations on civilian clothing. CAP medals and ribbons will be worn only by CAP members for whom they have been authorized and only on those uniforms outlined in CAPM 39-1. There are a number of CAP Lapel Pins available from Vanguard which might be worn on civilian formal wear. Miniature medals are mandatory when wearing the AF style mess dress uniform (men and women). Also one miniature medal of choice may be worn on the CAP semiformal blazer uniform.

Where can I find the chart/matrix describing what pilot qualifications are required for certain flights to adhere to FAA exemption? The CAP FAA Exemption chart is located on the “CAP Pilots” web page in the “FAA & ICAO Information” section and the various CAP pilot qualifications are explained in CAPR 70-1. As the Civil Air Patrol conducts a wide variety of aviation mission types while using several different Pilot rating/endorsements, it would be best to utilize the local expertise in your chain of command to help with matching required Pilot qualifications to the CAP aviation mission types where FAA exemptions apply; your Unit, Wing, and Region Stan/Eval Officers are a wealth of knowledge and are ready to assist.

How do I access SIRS? To access SIRS, first log into eServices and then click on the SIRS link.

How do I enter the Skills Evaluations for Level 1 Orientation and Cadet CPPT into the Learning Management System (LMS)? Authorized Senior Members will use the LMS to enter the in-residence/conversation portion of the course. To enter the summary conversation, follow the steps below: Step 1: Conduct conversation with Cadet. Step 2: Log into eServices and click on the Learning Management System (LMS) tab under CAP Utilities. Step 3: Once in the LMS, choose, “Mentor Input/Skills Eval” near the top of the left menu. Step 4: From the “step 1” drop down, select the appropriate course, for example “Level I Orientation”. Step 5: Click on “Senior Leadership summary conversation entry” under “step 2: Skill”. (This must be highlighted) Step 6: Enter the date completed in “step 3: Completed”. Step 7: Enter the cadet, or multiple cadet, CAP IDs in “step 4”. Step 8: Click on the “Verify Member” to verify the CAP IDs at the bottom right of the CAP ID box. Step 9: Once the CAP IDs are confirmed, click the “Submit” tab. When the member has completed all the requirements; the quizzes and conversation, an e-mail will be automatically generated and sent to the commander in “Commander’s Corner” with instructions on how to validate completion of the course. If the commander clicks on the link in the email, they will be taken directly to the approval page. The unit commander must validate completion, signifying that the cadet has completed the course to their satisfaction. Once the commander has validated completion online, the member will receive credit for the course.

How can a squadron prove that CAP is a non-profit organization? The IRS has ruled that CAP and its subordinate units are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This makes donations to CAP eligible for deductions from income by donors as “charitable contributions” to the extent allowed by law. Please see the following link for the IRS letter https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/cap-national-hq/general-counsel/501-c-3-federal-income-tax-exemption/ Please note that this doesn't mean that CAP units are exempt from paying state sales taxes. This is a different issue. Each state makes its own determination whether to afford CAP sales tax exempt status. Contact your wing legal officer to see if your state affords tax-exempt status for sales taxes.

Is there guidance on wearing miniature devices like stars on medals and ribbons and normal/large devices? Yes. CAP follows the guidance outlined in AFI 36-2903. Wear regular size devices on regular medals and regular ribbons; miniature devices on miniature ribbons and medals. Wear all the same size devices.

What are the specific requirements to be a qualified Mission Observer? For the latest SQTRs see My Operations Qualifications in eServices.

Where can I find the CAP mission symbols for different types of missions? Mission symbols can be found on the www.gocivilairpatrol.com web site by going to "Programs" > "Emergency Services" > "Aircraft Operations" > "Aircraft Information Files (AIF)" > "AIF For Airplanes and Balloons" > "Aircraft Flight Time Log 2" You can also pull up the mission symbols at: Mission Symbols

Can a Mission Pilot (MP) Trainee participate in an actual AF Authorized Mission as a MP under the supervision of a qualified MP? Yes. Trainees in a position can work actual or training missions in their specialty under the supervision of someone qualified to sign off on it provided they do not compromise mission safety to accomplish the training. Under current regulations the right seat person in this instance would have to be a Qualified MP and since the example is an actual AF mission, that MP would also have to be a qualified MO. For more information on this topic please see para 2-2 and 2-3 of CAPR 60-3.

I would like to have a list of field gear items for a SAR-EX/SAR. What should be in the 24/72 hour pack? Contents may vary from region to region based on weather and other conditions. Check with your wing for specific requirements. A sample list at Attachment B of the NESA policies and procedures at the following link: Packing lists.

I was wondering if I can wear my service dress blue uniform while flying on a commercial airplane? Yes you have that option when traveling in an official CAP capacity. Members who choose to wear a military-style uniform when traveling by commercial means (other than to and from local CAP activities) will wear the service dress uniform or light blue, short or long sleeve shirt/blouse with tie/tab. For more information, see CAPM 39-1.

Who is allowed to wear the CAP command badge? Taken from CAPM 39-1: 10.2.6. Command Insignia Pin. Wear of this badge is mandatory on USAF-style uniforms and optional with all Corporate-style uniforms for all current and graduated commanders in the rank of lieutenant colonel and below. Commanders (current and graduated) may only wear one commander pin, and current commanders wear the pin appropriate to their current assignment. Members are considered “graduated” after one year in office. This badge is not worn by officers who were members of the Command Council, the CAP Senior Advisory Group, the National Board or the National Executive Committee.

I'm a cadet who will be transferring to senior membership. What credit can I get in the Professional Development Program? Congratulations on your decision to become a senior member! Below is a chart which can help you as you begin your journey...

What are the rules on wearing sunglasses with the CAP uniform? Conservative sunglasses may be worn with the AF style and CAP distinctive uniforms, except in military formation . Glasses must be free of ornamentation on frames and lenses. (faddish styles and mirrored lenses prohibited). Sunglass cases will not be worn exposed on the uniform. Please see CAPM 39-1, para 6.3.1.2 for more information.

What are the requirements to be allowed to wear the CAP Safety Patch? Which regulation covers the patch? After fulfilling the requirements for the safety badge, you are also eligible to wear the safety patch. See requirements for earning the safety badge of CAPR 62-1. Wear instructions are contained in CAP Manual 39-1.

Where can I find instructions on wear of the blue CAP utility and field uniforms? For information on these uniforms, consult CAPM 39-1, paragraph 5.2.

Can I wear the ribbons I earned as a cadet as a senior member? You can wear some of the ribbons you earned as a cadet as a senior member. A list of these ribbons can be found at Attachment 2 of CAPR 39-3. NOTE: The wording, "only the highest cadet program ribbon will be worn" refers to cadet achievement/milestone awards (Curry through Spaatz). There are a number of other ribbons and awards that may continue to be worn.

Where can I get a number or other designation to identify an oral history I’m going to do? You can contact the Oral History Program Manager or the National Historian for the assignment of your specific number. The format is given in CAPP 6, CAP Oral History Self-Study Guide, Attachment 9.

Are state ribbons from the National Guard authorized on the CAP uniform? CAP allows wear of decorations,ribbons, and badges earned during service in any branch of the US armed forces but not state decorations. More information is found in CAPR 39-3 and CAPM 39-1.

Where can I find test control and inventory requirements? Test control and inventory requirements can be found in CAP Regulation 40-2, Test Administration and Security.

Is the AF cardigan sweater authorized as an outergarment for outdoor wear? Yes. Will only be worn with the USAF Service Uniform (Class B), Aviator Shirt Uniform or Corporate Working Uniform. With the USAF-style uniform, it may be worn under the lightweight blue jacket, the topcoat and the all-weather coat. With Corporate-style uniforms, it may be worn with any outergarment as long as it does not show beneath the lower edge of the outergarment. Gray epaulets will only be worn if the sweater is worn with the Air-Force-style blue uniform. See CAPM 39-1

How do I gain access to restricted applications in eServices? Access to restricted application is automatically granted based on your duty assignments. If you require additional access, you must gain permission from your unit commander who will, if s/he approves, direct your unit's web security administrator to authorize access.

I think my aircraft flew for CAP during World War II. Where can I go to find more information? Please email Major Susan Neal [email protected] and she will be able to check your aircraft tail number through our database.

Where would I find information about CAP Legislative Membership? There are two categories of legislative membership in CAP; one for the national legislative unit (designated the Congressional Squadron) and the other for state legislative squadrons. Members in both categories may participate in CAP programs if they meet the same criteria and regulations as active members do. Civil Air Patrol’s Congressional Squadron is open to Members of the U.S. Congress, their staff and federally appointed officials. Membership is honorary (and complimentary) and carries a number of benefits. There is no obligation on the part of Members of Congress or staff to participate in the CAP program but may do so if they so chose. Members of Congress are presented with a certificate of membership (suitable for framing) by the wing commander or his designee at a ceremony in Washington or in the Member’s home state/district. CAP wings may also have legislative squadrons similar to the Congressional Squadron for their state legislatures. State legislative squadrons are open to all members of the state legislature, elected state officials and key staff members. Information on both legislative member categories can be found in Chapter 5 of CAP Regulation 39-2 (CAP Membership). For further information on the Congressional Squadron and for assistance starting a state legislative squadron contact CAP Government Relations at [email protected]. For legislative member issues (requirements, membership process, etc.) please contact CAP Membership and Personnel.

Where can I take the CAP Form 5 annual examination online? The CAPR 70-1 Annual Examinations for Pilots - Powered, Glider, and Balloon are online in eServices on the Learning Management System (LMS) listed as "CAPR 70-1, CAPF 5 Annual Examination (Powered/Glider/Balloon)." Per CAPR 70-1 the required online written examinations must be completed within 60 days prior to a CAPF 5 Annual Check Ride.

Where can I find information on the water survival emergency services specialty qualification listed in CAPR 60-3? Water Survival emergency services specialty qualification training listed in CAPR 60-3 can be taken on the Learning Management System (LMS) at: Over Water Survival Course.

What is the timeframe for an upper level review of an IG investigation? If a complainant or respondent disagrees with the validity of an investigation, s/he may request that the next higher-level IG review their case. This request must occur within 60 days of receiving the commander’s response. For procedures to request that the next higher-level IG review a case see CAPR 20-2.

What are the requirements for pre-solo wings? The criteria for pre-solo wings referenced in CAPR 35-6 Operations Ratings, Awards and Badges and shown in CAPM 39-1. Criteria for award: CAP Cadet successfully performing a fight demonstration to an on-board CAP certificated flight instructor (CFI), that he/she has the ability to fly the aircraft without assistance from the on-board CAP CFI.

Are Cadets authorized to wear specialty track badges? If so, what are the requirements for earning these badges? Cadets can earn and wear certain specialty badges although they do not receive the technician rating until they complete the requirements as senior members. There are some positions which have age limitations which would prohibit cadets from holding certain jobs. Badges presently available for cadets include Emergency Services, Communications and History. Also please see CAPR 35-6, CAPR 60-3, CAPR 210-1, CAPP 223

Where can I find online tests for communicators? Communications tests can be found in the Learning Management System (LMS) in eServices. These include the specialty track examinations and the Introductory Communications User Course (ICUT).

What is a CAP flight and how does it fit into the organization? The CAP flight is the smallest separate CAP membership unit authorized and must contain a minimum of eight members, three of whom must be seniors. Flights should be organized only in sparsely populated areas where there are an insufficient number of individuals to constitute a squadron. Note this is a separate unit not the standard flights or elements which make up a squadron. See CAPR 20-1 for more details.

I was unable to find anything on the web site about an Aircraft Survival Kit, and I was wondering if you could send me a list of what is available? The contents of the AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL KIT vary from region to region and season to season. Check with your wing or region for specific requirements. Listed below is a typical AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL KIT. AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL KIT- 3 PERSON - 3 DAYS (1 ea) * USAF Aircrew Survival Manual AFP36-2246, 122 pages, current military (9 ea) Aqua-Bloc® 8.45 fl. oz. water pack, 1 per day per person (1 ea) * 5 qt plastic, water storage bag ( 1 ea) 8 oz. bag, hard survival candy (3 ea) food bar, 3600 calories - non-thirst provoking. 5 year storage life, 3 servings per person per day (1 ea) ACR Firefly Plus strobelight/flashlight, requires 2 AA batteries, included (3 ea) * space blanket, silver/orange foil, 56"X96", featherlite & waterproof (3 ea) emergency sleeping bags manufactured from space blanket foil, windproof & waterproof (1 ea) * fire starter with 10 fire tabs, works "one-handed" in case of injury (1 ea) * signal mirror, acrylic 3"X5" (1 ea) * magnetic pocket compass MC1 (1 ea) zipper thermometer (1 ea) * USAF survival knife, 5", with leather handle, sheath & sharpening stone (1 ea) * heavy-duty finger saw with finger rings and 2 blades (1 ea) * 10" machete with sheath, belt clip & sharpening stone (1 ea) snare kit with two self-locking steel snares / (1 ea) * emergency fishing kit, fresh or salt water (1 ea) * survival whistle ACR/WW3, distinctive high pitch sound (1 ea) white nylon cord, 50', 500 lb test (1 ea) water purification tablets, 50 tablets - 6 gal water (1 ea) first aid minor emergency packet #1 - 25 items (1 ea) first aid packet #2 - misc. heavy bandages, 41 items (1 ea) personal hygiene kit c/o 3 toothbrushes, toothpaste, talcum powder, 3 pocket combs, 6 toilet paper, 3 soap and 3 garbage bags (1 ea) 36 hour canned candle (1 ea) 18" X 36" sheet aluminum foil (4 ea) AA batteries for strobelight/flashlight, 3-5 year storage life (3 ea) * plastic survival sunglasses (3 ea) 40" X 48" emergency poncho - orange (1 ea) *insect repellent stick - 1 oz. (1 ea) 2' X 6' signal panel - chartreuse & orange with tiedown cords. All items are stored in a 14" X 16" X 6" USAF survival field pack. Water resistant & airtight, with rubber sealed metal zipper & shoulder straps for emergency backpacking. 24 lbs.

Does the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offer some type of security awareness training for those involved in aviation? Yes, the following link will provide information: Security Awareness Following is an exerpt from its introduction: Welcome to the Flight School Security Awareness (FSSA) Training Module! The purpose of FSSA training is to raise general security awareness levels of employees working in the flight training industry. Employees in this industry must be able to question and respond appropriately to any behaviors or activities that may present a threat to aviation security. This training module will provide you with the basic knowledge on indicators of suspicious activity and how suspicious activity should be reported. It will also include a variety of scenarios to test your knowledge on what you have learned and will conclude with recommended best practices. Upon completion of the training you will receive a printable certificate.

Where can I find the National Check Pilot Standardization Course (NCPSC)? The National Check Pilot Standardization Course can be found on the Learning Management System or you can go directly to the course after logging into eServices through the following link: NCPSC link

I have voluntarily resigned from Civil Air Patrol by sending a letter to the Squadron Commander and the Group Commander. Are there any additional forms that I need to fill out? I can not find any reference to this in the regulations. Though we hate to lose a member, we realize circumstances may at times limit members' ability to participate in CAP activities. To submit a voluntary resignation, members should use the CAP Form 2B. For the reason, select "voluntary resignation." You may request a copy of your records from your unit which will be helpful when you hopefully resume your membership in CAP. Thanks for your volunteer spirit and contributions to CAP, and we hope you'll be able to return as a member someday. Meanwhile you might consider participating in some other membership category. More information can be found in CAPR 35-3.