motoboy

I was thinking about ways to time build today, and I remembered hearing about Cival Air patrol. Is anybody a member, or familiar with the program? I know they do volunteer flying for transporting blood, live tissure, etc.. Just curious how hard it is to get into a flying position, and how often you get to fly.

LeoSV

I don't know how much transporting of body parts they do, if any. They are basically a SAR operation,(atleast to my knowledge, I may be wrong) and if you want to "time build", that might not be the best place to do it. Members of the CAP are somewhat passionate about it and might resent somebody that isn't there to volunteer help, just wants to get free hours. Secondly, with the exception of a few busy groups, most of them are mostly meetings and planning, so there really wouldn't be much flying involved anyway. I was a member for a very brief time and with school and family just couldn't devote every Tuesday and Thursday night, so I quit going. I am only giving you my experience, which is very limited. Maybe somebody else that is more involved has a different and more informed view that they could share. Good luck with everything!!
Leonard

atpwannabe

Moto:

LeoSV hit the nail right on the head. Civil Air Patrol is basically a "Search and Rescue Operation." Depending on the type of squadron you join, you may join as a Senior Member with your licenses & ratings and become one of the squadron's pilot that fly sorties, Sun Down patrols, and orientation flights.

My advice would be to call your local Civil Air Patrol Senior Member Squadron and talk to the Squadron Commander. Hope this helps.

Blue skies.


atp

IBFlyin

I also had a similar experience. My squadron was very unorganized though. The good news, most squadrons have a plane that you can rent, if I remember right, we had a newer 172 for 40 an hour and a 182 for 55-60. Dry rates, but still cheap. We had discounted fuel rates too. Bad news, only other members were allowed in the aircraft. So no joy rides with friends. Looks good on a resume and you may be able to make some connections if youre lucky. Even if you only get a few hours, free time is free time. Id say go to a couple meetings to get a feel for things and then decide from there.