Pilots

Welcome Pilots
Pilot FAQs

If you’re a pilot, CAP has plenty of opportunities for you.  CAP owns the largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft in the nation, primarily Cessna 172s and 182s, and CAP pilots are able to fly those planes to perform CAP missions in service to their local communities.  You can find the full list of requirements to fly for CAP under our Pilot FAQs.

CAP pilots fly reconnaissance missions for homeland security, search and rescue, disaster relief, and even counterdrug operations at the request of government or law enforcement agencies.  They sometimes transport medical personnel and supplies and blood and live tissue.  In times of disaster, they assess damage and transport emergency personnel from site to site.  When not flying traditional emergency missions, cadet orientation pilots fly orientation rides for cadets and teachers while also maintaining their own proficiency.

The Civil Air Patrol’s aircraft are located at strategic locations throughout the nation to be readily available when missions arise.  CAP members maintain these aircraft at the highest levels of safety and efficiency and have access to specialists at CAP National headquarters for maintenance, safety and training questions.

As a CAP pilot, you perform some of the organizations’ most important work.  CAP is also a great place for you to meet and work with people who share your interest in flying and want to use their skills in a meaningful way.