Flying with the CAP: How to get started

CAP pilots are eligible for a wide variety of training and flying programs. If you are an FAA-licensed pilot and a current CAP member, you are off to a good start.

This page outlines what you need to do to fly our squadron plane, N313CP.

The "Form 5" (VFR Pilot)

This is the beginning rating for CAP pilots. You are allowed to schedule and fly CAP aircraft in VFR conditions. You may not fly transport or search missions, or fly cadet orientation rides.

The "Form 5" (CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation) is where it all begins. You must pass an annual Form 5 exam before you can fly any CAP aircraft (or wear CAP pilot wings on your uniform). The Form 5 is similar to a flight review. There are written, oral, and flight portions to the review.

What you need:

• Agree to the Statement of Understanding
• Completion of Airplane Questionnaire (Completed annually for each type of aircraft flown)
  Reference material for questionnaire
  
  
• Annual Online Exam (Open-book exam covering rules and regulations in CAPR 60-1)
• Complete the Ground Handling Course
• Complete the Introduction to CAP Safety for New Members Course
• Schedule one or more orientation flights with a squadron pilot to become familiar with the plane.
• Schedule a flight check with a CAP checkpilot

Transport Mission Pilot (TMP)

A Transport Mission Pilot is permitted to transport CAP personnel and equipment, and fly Highbird missions. Transport Mission Pilots are also allowed to be reimbursed for most CAP-assigned flying.

What you need:

• Valid Form 5
• 50 hours cross-country time (any aircraft)
• GES Exam (CAP Test 116)
• FEMA IS-100 and IS-700 Exams
• 100 hours PIC time (any aircraft)
• WSDOT Volunteer Application (Not required, but highly recommended)

Cadet Orientation Pilot

A Cadet Orientation Pilot is permitted to take CAP cadets on orientation flights. These flights are reimbursed.

What you need:

• Valid Form 5
• 200 hours PIC time (any aircraft)
• Cadet Orientation Pilot online exam
• Flight check (can be part of your Form 5 checkride)

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