Taking Your First Form 5

As part of becoming a qualified CAP pilot, you will need to complete a CAP Pilot Flight Evaluation, otherwise known as a Form 5. This evaluation is conducted by a CAP Check Pilot and ensures that you are proficient in CAP-specific procedures, regulations, and flying skills. Below is a checklist and guidance to help you successfully prepare for and complete your first Form 5 evaluation. In addition to this content, be sure to work with your Pilot Mentor to prepare for your Form 5.

What to Expect During Your First Form 5

For your first Form 5, you can expect the process to be similar to an FAA checkride, with a thorough ground evaluation followed by a flight evaluation. Your Check Pilot will provide a plan of action, outlining what will be covered during both the ground and flight portions. On the ground, you’ll be asked about CAP regulations, operational procedures, risk management, and your knowledge of the aircraft systems. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness to fly CAP aircraft. The flight evaluation will assess your airmanship, ability to execute CAP-specific flight tasks, and emergency procedures. After the flight, the Check Pilot will provide a debrief and offer feedback on your performance. If successful, you’ll submit your Form 5 for validation in Ops Quals, completing this important step in becoming a CAP pilot.

Checklist for Preparing for Your Form 5

• Complete Training and Documentation Requirements:

  • Complete both the CAPR 70-1 General Flight Exam and the CAPR 70-1 Powered Flight Exam in the CAP eLearning Platform.

  • Ensure completion of all prerequisite items, such as Aircraft Ground Handling, Aircrew Professionalism, and G1000 VFR/IFR Training if applicable. Full lists can be found on the CAP VFR Pilot page.

  • Upload all required documents to Ops Quals (FAA certificates, medical certificate, flight review, and any applicable endorsements such as high performance or complex) and make sure everything is validated.

  • Complete your Onboarding flights with a CAP Instructor Pilot.

• Review Required Materials:

  • Study CAPR 70-1, CAP Flight Management, to understand limitations and privileges of CAP Pilots.

  • Study the CAP 72-5, Aircrew Evaluation and CAP 72-6, Aircrew Evaluation Standards Criteria for CAP-specific evaluation requirements.

  • Review the Aircrew Professionalism content, and have an understanding of CAPs operating environment, how we mitigate risk, the expectations CAP has on self-evaluation and how we work as a team.

  • Familiarize yourself with FAA Aircrew Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS), as applicable .

  • Ensure you have completed the relevant CAP Forms, including the CAPF 70-5 which is the evaluation form and the applicable CAPF 70-5Q which is the questionnaire form.

  • Review the POH for your aircraft. All Airplane POHs are located on the CAP eLearning Platform.

• Schedule Your Form 5:

  • Find a Check Pilot to conduct your Form 5 and coordinate a date and time for your flight evaluation. Use the process on the Finding a Mentor, Instructor, Check Pilot or Airplane page to assist with this process. You should also use your Pilot Mentor to assist you with this.

  • Make sure to build your sortie in WMIRS, which will include scheduling the aircraft, selecting the check pilot, and completing the briefing page.

  • There may be additional steps required for your specific Wing or Region, such as requesting funding or submitting certain documents, prior to scheduling your flight in WMIRS. Be sure to consult with your Pilot Mentor and/or Standardization/Evaluation Officer (DOV).

• Pre-Flight Preparation:

  • Have your CAPF 70-5 form printed and partially filled out (name, CAPID, type of evaluation, aircraft make/model, certification of pilot).

  • Review your expectations document/Plan of Action provided by your Check Pilot.

  • Verify both the airplanes airworthiness and your own airworthiness. Ensure that the airplane is Mission Capable, and not grounded. Make sure that you are prepared to discuss the inspections process CAP uses, as well as any maintenance discrepancies. For your own airworthiness, make sure you are current and proficient before your flight, and that you meet all of the requirements to complete a Form 5.

• Day Before Your Form 5:

  • Within WMIRS, complete your Risk Assessment Worksheet (RAW)

  • Obtain a flight release and ensure that your flight is approved in WMIRS.

Day of the Form 5

• Bring Required Documents. At a minimum, you will need to bring the following:

  • FAA Pilot Certificate

  • Government-issued Photo ID

  • FAA Medical Certificate or BasicMed certificate

  • Most recent flight review (14 CFR 61.57)

  • Logbook endorsements for High Performance or Complex (if applicable)

  • CAP Airplane Questionnaire (CAPF 70-5Q)

• Flight Procedures:

  • Perform all tasks in accordance with the FAA ACS based on your highest level of certification (Private, Commercial, Airline Transport Pilot). This includes clearing turns as appropriate.

  • Remember to brief your passengers and crew before the flight.

  • Use checklists!

  • Conduct a post-flight walk around after the flight and a debrief in WMIRS. This includes filling out the flight log in the Airplane Information File (AIF), uploading fuel receipts, as well as any other applicable requirements your Wing or Region may have.

After Your Form 5

• Ensure all tasks are scored appropriately (Qualified, Qualified with Training, etc.) and that all applicable endorsements have been initialed by the CP.

• Upload the signed Form 5 and questionnaire into Ops Quals within 72 hours for validation.

• Submit for the appropriate qualifications/endorsements in Ops Quals.

• If applicable, request a CAP ForeFlight account after successfully completing your first Form 5.