Glider Pilot

To become a CAP Glider Pilot, you must complete a series of flying and non-flying tasks. These requirements ensure that, in addition to flight proficiency, you are fully integrated into CAP’s operations and familiar with its role as the Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

Upon completing the glider pilot requirements, you will be qualified to fly CAP gliders and pursue additional certifications, such as Orientation Pilot.

Glider Pilot Requirements

Initial Requirements:

Active CAP Senior Member or Cadet: You must be a current, active CAP member and at least 16 years of age to be a CAP Glider Pilot.
FAA Glider Pilot Certificate: Possess a valid FAA Private or Commercial Glider Pilot certificate.
Medical Certification: Medical certification is not required for glider pilots, but you must meet the physical standards outlined by the FAA.
Flight Review: Have a current flight review in accordance with 14 CFR 61.56.

Checklist (After Joining CAP):

Create your eServices account and gain access to your CAP email (if applicable).
Complete Level 1 of your Professional Development Program. Any questions regarding Professional Development should be directed to your unit’s Education and Training Officer.
Complete Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT). This training is part of Level 1 Professional Development and focuses on safeguarding CAP’s youth cadets. This is required for all CAP Pilots.
Request a CAP Pilot Mentor. A Pilot Mentor is knowledgeable in both the National-level requirements for pilot onboarding as well as Wing and Region-specific requirements and can help you navigate this process efficiently.
After you have been assigned your CAP Pilot Mentor, complete your Pilot Experience Survey and CAP Training Plan. You can complete the Pilot Experience Survey and Training Plan by downloading and filling out the forms provided under the Related Documents section to the right of this page.
Complete the Aircrew Professionalism course on the CAP eLearning Platform. This course explains the foundational elements of CAP's Aircrew Professionalism Model, which are embodied in CAP's Aviators Code of Conduct and Aircrew Code of Conduct, both found within the Pamphlets section of CAP Publication Library.
Enroll in the CAP Pilot Onboarding Curriculum on the CAP eLearning Platform. This curriculum includes several presentations on CAPs publications, technology, the CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation process, CAP-specific flight endorsement training, and aircraft-specific training that covers airframes and avionics differences.
Upload your pilot documents into Ops Quals. At a minimum, you will need to upload your FAA Pilot Certificate and your flight review. However, you may also want to upload any endorsements, like your aerotow or ground tow endorsements. All documents should be uploaded as a PDF. Documents with multiple pages should be uploaded as single files and not multiple files, as there is a limit in upload counts within Ops Quals.
Complete the Statement of Understanding in Ops Quals. Log into eServices, and under the Ops Quals page, under “Pilots” navigate to “Prerequisites” in the left-hand menu.
Complete the Aircraft Ground Handling course on CAPs eLearning Platform. This course provides training on proper procedures for safely handling CAP aircraft on the ground.
Coordinate and complete your onboarding ground and flight training. Work with your pilot mentor to find an airplane and CAP Instructor Pilot. This training is part of an approved, funded training mission and is your first step toward becoming a qualified CAP VFR pilot. Specific tasks and content for ground and flight training for VFR Pilot Onboarding can be found in CAPS 71-2, Aircrew Training, Glider, which can be accessed on CAP Publication Library.
Schedule Your CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation (Form 5). Once you have completed the necessary training and feel prepared, schedule your Form 5 with a CAP Check Pilot to demonstrate your flying proficiency. Visit the Finding a Mentor, Instructor, Check Pilot or Airplane page to assist you in locating a CAP Check Pilot. Your mentor should also be able to assist you with this.

Other Recommended Items

The following items are not required as part of the onboarding for becoming a CAP VFR Pilot, but are recommended for all members who intend on seeking additional training or qualifications within CAP.

Upload your member photo for validation in eServices
Submit the requirements for your CAP Driver License
Complete the CAP/SSF Online Tow Pilot Course the Introductory on the CAP eLearning Platform.
Join the FAA Wings Safety Program and link your CAP Ops Quals account to your Wings account. This is done through the FAA Wings webpage under “Account Preferences”

Glider Orientation Pilot

Those pilots that enjoy working with cadets should think about becoming orientation pilots. Orientation pilots are given the opportunity to fly CAP cadets and after obtaining your FAA Glider Commercial license or completing at least 100 glider flights, you can fly CAP, AFROTC and AFJROTC cadets.

Below are the requirements to fly as a glider orientation pilot.

Checklist

Complete FAA Glider Commercial certificate or 100 glider flights
Complete the “Orientation Pilot” online exam
Schedule a flight with an instructor to receive your orientation pilot endorsement
Have your commander endorse your “Orientation Pilot Demo - Glider” qualification