Aircraft

Airplanes

CAP’s fleet of powered aircraft plays a vital role in supporting a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and cadet orientation flights. Our aircraft, primarily Cessna models, are equipped with advanced avionics systems that enable safe and effective operation across diverse and challenging environments. The versatility of CAP’s powered aircraft ensures they remain essential to mission success.

Fleet Overview

CAP primarily operates the following powered aircraft:

Cessna 172: A reliable and versatile aircraft, the Cessna 172 is ideal for cadet orientation flights, training, and search and rescue missions.
Cessna 182: With greater power and payload capacity, the Cessna 182 is suited for missions that require extended range and enhanced performance, such as aerial photography and transport.
Cessna 206: Known for its larger cabin and increased payload, the Cessna 206 is commonly used in missions involving equipment transport, personnel movement, and more demanding operational requirements.

Avionics Familiarization

CAP powered aircraft are equipped with modern avionics systems such as the Garmin G1000, G3X Touch, and other advanced tools. These systems provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness and navigation capabilities, making them essential for mission safety.

To ensure proficiency with these systems, CAP pilots are encouraged to regularly train and review the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), both of which are available on the CAP eLearning platform. Regular familiarization with these materials is critical to maintaining safe and efficient flight operations.

In addition, training devices and simulators for avionics systems, such as the Garmin G1000 and others, are available to enhance pilot training and provide hands-on experience outside of flight operations.

Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs)

CAP supports the use of Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), including applications like ForeFlight, to assist with mission planning, navigation, and in-flight operations. EFBs provide real-time data that helps improve operational efficiency and safety.

For guidance on EFB usage, CAP pilots should refer to CAPR 70-1, CAP Flight Management, which outlines CAP-specific policies on integrating EFBs into flight operations. Additionally, the FAA Advisory Circular on EFB Usage for General Aviation provides industry standards and best practices for safely using these tools in both civilian and CAP missions.

Gliders

CAP’s glider program is a cornerstone of its cadet training and educational initiatives, providing cadets with invaluable experience in non-powered flight. Through hands-on glider training, cadets learn essential flight skills while focusing on precision, flight mechanics, and meteorology. CAP gliders are used exclusively for cadet orientation rides and flight training, helping young aviators develop foundational flight skills.

Fleet Overview

CAP’s glider fleet includes a variety of aircraft designed for both basic and advanced training:

Schweizer SGS 2-33: A durable, entry-level training glider, widely used for cadet orientation flights and solo training.
Schweizer SGS 2-22C & E: Another popular training glider in CAP’s fleet, offering stable flight characteristics ideal for beginner pilots.
Blanik L-23: A more advanced glider used for cadets progressing through their training. Its performance characteristics allow for more precise flying.
ASK-21 – Schleicher: An advanced glider used for more experienced cadet and pilot training, with excellent handling and flight performance.

In addition to CAP-owned gliders, CAP also has access to member-owned gliders through partnerships with members. These member-owned aircraft provide additional resources for cadet training.
Note: When utilizing member-owned gliders or tow planes, pilots and owners must complete a Hold Harmless Agreement (HHA). The agreement is outlined in CAPF 70-10, which helps protect both CAP and the aircraft owner from liability in case of damage or loss.

Relationship with the Soaring Society of America (SSA)

CAP maintains a strong partnership with the Soaring Society of America (SSA), a key organization that supports soaring and glider operations across the country. Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CAP and SSA, cadets benefit from additional resources, training opportunities, and support from the SSA. The collaboration helps ensure that CAP’s glider training programs are aligned with national soaring safety and educational standards.

The Soaring Safety Foundation (SSF), a partner of SSA, provides essential safety resources, courses, and best practices that are accessible to CAP cadets and pilots. This relationship enhances safety and elevates the training experience for CAP glider programs.

Glider Familiarization and Safety

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of glider operations, CAP pilots and cadets are expected to familiarize themselves with the specific aircraft they will be flying. Resources such as the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) for each glider are available through the CAP eLearning Platform.

Glider Best Practices

CAP encourages all members involved in glider operations to follow established best practices for aircraft assembly, disassembly, and maintenance:

Assembly and Disassembly Checklists: These checklists provide detailed steps to ensure the safe assembly, disassembly, trailering, and inventory management of gliders. They are available for models such as the L-23 and SGS 2-33.
Maintenance Tracking: A dedicated Glider Maintenance Tracking Spreadsheet helps pilots and maintenance personnel track airframe hours, cycles, and life-limited parts, ensuring that all critical components are monitored and maintained according to CAP standards.

Documents and Resources

Essential documents, links, and resources are available in the Related Documents and Related Links section to the right of the page.