Mission Pilot

For pilots looking to play a critical role in CAP’s search and rescue (SAR) and disaster response operations, becoming a Mission Pilot (MP) is a rewarding and vital path. Mission Pilots serve as the primary operators in CAP’s emergency services missions, flying complex sorties in support of local, state, and federal missions.

Requirements to Become a Mission Pilot

To qualify as a Mission Pilot, you must complete the following:

Complete CAPT 116, General Emergency Services (GES), on the CAP eLearning Platform. This quiz ensures you have the foundational knowledge required to participate in CAP emergency services missions.
Prior to becoming a Mission Pilot, you must be qualified as a Mission Scanner. The Mission Scanner role provides essential experience for understanding CAP mission operations and procedures.
175 hours of PIC flight time is required to begin training as a Mission Pilot. 200 hours of PIC is required to be eligible for the final Mission Pilot Flight Check (CAPF 91).
Mission Pilots must complete a series of tasks, including familiarization with CAP-specific mission roles, search patterns, and procedures, as outlined in the Mission Pilot Specialty Qualification Training Record (SQTR). The SQTR includes both familiarization and preparatory training, as well as advanced training in aircrew coordination, search techniques, and safety protocols.
Complete FEMA IS 100, IS 200 and IS 700 courses. These courses introduce you to the structure of the Incident Command System (ICS) and its role in emergency response.
Complete Introductory Communications User Training (ICUT) to become proficient in CAP communication systems during missions.
Serve as a SAR/ES Mission Pilot trainee during at least two CAP mission exercises to gain practical experience.
Once all qualifications and training are completed, schedule and pass a Mission Pilot Flight Check (Form 91) with a CAP Mission Check Pilot.

For more details, please reference the Mission Pilot SQTR in Ops Quals, where all tasks, training, and requirements are tracked.