Getting Started in Flight Operations
For checkout in CAP Aircraft you must hold a current Private Pilot or higher rating. CAP cannot give instruction towards a Private Pilot certificate, but you may be able to regain your currency or proficiency before initial CAP Pilot qualification. Following one-year of active membership you may receive instruction towards additional FAA certificates or ratings.
First Steps
Before you get started in Flight Ops, you must get started in Emergency Services. Capt. Francis Smith of the South Carolina Wing has produced a great document titled, How to Get Involved in Emergency Services, for getting yourself up to speed and qualified for Emergency Services training. Please read through the document and follow the links within.
All members pursuing any Emergency Services qualification must initially complete General Emergency Services (GES) training. The CAP website has all training materials necessary for your initial GES qualification. Click here to be redirected to GES training materials.
All CAP members are required to complete Operations Security Awareness Training.
Aircrew and Flightline Training Materials
A large number of training materials can be found on the National CAP website Aircrew & Flightline Personnel Training Materials page. The materials found on this page are those we use in development of squadron training materials.
Aircraft Checklists
Below are standardized checklists for aircraft AL-032 frequently operates. These work really well cut in half and laminated for kneeboard format (preferred) or as a laminated single 8x10 sheet. Each aircraft has a Normal Procedures and Emergency Procedures checklist.
N924CP (C172) Normal Procedures
N924CP (C172) Emergency Procedures
N98410 (C172) Normal Procedures
N98410 (C172) Emergency Procedures
N9388X (C182) Normal Procedures
N9388X (C182) Emergency Procedures
Avionics
Most CAP aircraft in ALWG utilize Bendix/King Avionics. The Bendix/King Silver Crown Plus Avionics Systems Pilot's Guide goes beyond the usual checkout and explains the full myriad of features available through the Bendix King Silver Crown line.
Likewise, the Apollo GX55 GPS is standard throughout CAP. Specific training with an experienced pilot or Mission Observer is highly recommended as this unit, (alongside the DF equipment) is arguably the most important piece of avionics in the aircraft for SAR use. New Jersey Wing has created a GX55 Mini Guide to assist in operation of the unit. The manufacturers Apollo GX55 Quick Reference Guide is a handy item to keep in your flight folder and/or kneeboard for, yes, quick reference. Remember though, that learning a GPS's functions should never occur in the air. Do not allow yourself to be distracted or to distract other crewmembers from scanning for other traffic by fumbling with the GPS. Study up and learn before you fly and keep your Quick Reference Card handy for verification of common GPS functions.
To help make sense of all the functions, download this free GX 55 simulator to your PC for practice at home! If you are having trouble getting started with your simulator, you can download this Getting Started Guide.
Points of Contact
Maxwell Composite Squadron's Flight Operations Officer is Capt. Todd Ballard.
Flight Release of aircraft may be obtained from Capt. Ballard or Capt. Harrison
