Instructor Pilot

Civil Air Patrol’s Instructor Pilots (IPs) are critical to maintaining the high standards of safety and proficiency in CAP's flight operations. CAP Instructor Pilots are responsible for training and evaluating new CAP pilots, providing mentorship, and ensuring that pilots meet the standards required to conduct CAP missions safely and effectively.

To become a CAP Instructor Pilot, you must already be a qualified CAP VFR Pilot, possess an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, and meet additional CAP-specific training and evaluation requirements.

It is important to note that Instructor Pilot appointments are made at the discretion of the Wing or Region which you are assigned. Depending on where you are located, you may have additional requirements that must be met before being eligible to pursue a IP appointment.

Instructor Pilot Minimum Requirements

Be a current, active CAP Cadet or Senior Member.
Possess an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) rating.
Hold a current CAP VFR Pilot qualification.
Complete a CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation (Form 5) with an Instructor Pilot Endorsement within the previous 12 months.

Checklist for Becoming a CAP Instructor Pilot

CAP pilots seeking an Instructor Pilot Endorsement on a CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation (Form 5) must meet the minimum requirements above, requirements specified in this section, as well as those outlined in CAPR 70-1, CAP Flight Management.
The Instructor Pilot Endorsement is a CAP-specific endorsement required for CAP pilots with an FAA CFI certificate to instruct in CAP airplanes. There are no additional ground or flight training requirements, but pilots must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
- CAP Regulations, Standards, Pamphlets, and Forms
- Teaching Techniques and Learning Styles
- Lesson Planning and Presentation
- Risk Management and Decision Making
- Aircraft Systems and Performance Review
- CAP-specific Systems and Technology
- Emergency Procedures and Scenario-Based Training
- CAP Safety Program and Safety Culture
- Student Evaluation and Feedback
Coordinate with your Wing or Region Standardization/Evaluation Officer (DOV) to schedule a CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation (CAPF 5) with an Instructor Pilot Endorsement. The CAP Check Pilot will assess your instructional proficiency, your ability to conduct flight training in CAP aircraft, and your understanding of CAP’s mission requirements.
After successfully completing your Form 5 evaluation, you will need to be appointed as a CAP Instructor Pilot. This appointment is a Wing-level appointment at the discretion of the Wing Commander or their designee.

Evaluation Areas for CAP Instructor Pilot Appointments

The following guidance is used by Wings to determine when to make CAP Instructor Pilot appointments:

Instructor Knowledge and Skills: Evaluate the candidate’s understanding of FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and/or Practical Test Standards (PTS), instructional techniques, and proficiency in flying from the right seat. CAP IPs should demonstrate strong personal flying standards and the ability to instruct both on the ground and in the airplane.
CAP Knowledge and Experience: Evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of CAP-specific systems such as WMIRS, eServices, and Ops Quals. CAP IPs must be well-versed in CAP’s flight release processes, regulations, standards, and mission requirements.
CAP Culture Suitability: Evaluate the candidate’s enthusiasm, engagement, and ability to adapt to CAP’s volunteer culture. CAP IPs should be able to teach with flexibility, maintaining high standards while understanding the importance of fostering a positive environment aligned with CAP’s mission.

Instructor Pilot Responsibilities

CAP Instructor Pilots are responsible for training new and existing CAP pilots, ensuring they meet CAP’s operational standards. Instructors should be familiar with CAPR 70-1, which outlines the rules for CAP flight operations, as well as all CAP Standards, Pamphlets and Forms that are applicable to CAP flight operations.

Additionally, CAP Instructor Pilots are required to maintain proficiency in instructional techniques, stay updated with CAP’s safety programs, and ensure all CAP pilots are mission-ready.

Other Recommended Items

While not required, the following items are highly recommended to enhance your effectiveness as a CAP Instructor Pilot:

Instrument Rating Endorsement: If you plan to instruct in instrument conditions, an Instrument Rating endorsement will allow you to provide additional training.
G1000 Instructor Endorsement: Complete the G1000 Instructor Endorsement to train pilots in CAP aircraft equipped with G1000 avionics.
Join the FAA Wings Program: This is a great tool for tracking your instructional progress and continuing education.