Pilots
Becoming a qualified Mission Ready pilot in the Civil Air Patrol is not easy. We are not a flying club where you build time. We have volunteer instructors who take the time to train our pilots with the understanding they will go on to become valuable members of our organization. If you are looking to build time then by joining Civil Air Patrol you become eligible to join several of the USAF Flight Clubs located in the state of Colorado.
Steps to become a CAP Pilot:
- Find and Join a local Civil Air Patrol Unit. Once you join you will receive your CAP ID card from National Headquarters.
- Complete CAP Professional Development Level 1: Foundations is Required for all Senior Members.
- Contact your unit’s Operations Officer (Ops Officer) or Standardization and Evaluations (Stan/Eval or DOV) Officer to express your desire to become a CAP pilot, you will be advised to proceed with steps tracking very closely to the following to qualify as a CAP pilot.
- Obtain a current copy of CAP Regulation 70-1 (CAPR 70-1), CAP Flight Management. Study it and become very familiar with it. CAPR 70-1 can be downloaded from the NHQ web site and you will be expected to have a copy of CAPR 70-1 the day of your check ride. Additionally Colorado Wing and Rocky Mountain Region have Supplements which you need to review and understand.
- Obtain a CAP approved flying uniform. Work with your Commander to understand the requirements of a proper CAP flight uniform.
- Rocky Mountain Region requires certain aviation experience and FAA certifications be documented through a RMR F60. Your unit DOV can insure you obtain this document and assist you in approvals.
- Get with an IP and work toward a Form 5 check ride. Once your IP feels you are ready they will recommend a check pilot.
- Become intimately familiar with the aircraft (C-172, C-182, C-182TNAVIII, GA8, G1000, etc) that you will use for the check ride. This includes systems, emergency procedures, weight & balance, flight release, etc. Also, familiarize yourself with the CAP Aircraft Information File that is kept in the plane. CAP corporate planes are used for 99% of our flying.
- FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS). The minimum level of proficiency acceptable is that contained in the current FAA ACS or PTS for the certificate being exercised. If necessary, put in enough flight time with a CFI until you become proficient in ALL of those requirements. There may be some of the tasks that you haven’t performed for a while and may probably rusty on. If you are not familiar with what the ACS/PTS requires, a copy may be purchased from any pilot shop for about $5.00 or downloaded from the FAA web site.
- Now that you have passed your Form 5 Check Ride start working toward becoming an O-Ride, Transport and ultimately a Mountain Mission Pilot. Colorado and the Rocky Mountains has many flying challenges. We have seasoned instructors who can assist you in becoming a safe, valuable member of our incredible team.
