America’s Best Kept Secret
The Civil Air Patrol
Recently I stumbled across a mention of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). The Civil Air Patrol? I wondered what that is, what do they do? Who are they? I asked several people and no one knew much except that they were a civilian volunteer group that helped the American military during WWII. It hadn’t occurred to me that they are a current, viable, active organization.
They do exist! They are a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. That still meant nothing to me until I learned that they are involved in Search and Rescue and they fly more than 85% of all federal inland Search-and-Rescue missions
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Each year, cadets have the opportunity to participate in special activities at the local, state, regional or national level. Many cadets will have the opportunity to solo fly an airplane for the first time through a flight encampment or academy. Others will enjoy traveling abroad through the International Air Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air shows throughout the nation. Members of Idaho’s CAP program assisted at the Blackfoot Pride Days festivities, they provided security and guidance for those folks who were lucky enough to get to fly. Also, they were they people directing air traffic on the ground.
Local teachers can join Civil Air Patrol as an aerospace member. They get a full packet of materials appropriate to the age group they teach, handouts, foldouts, space shuttle launch stuff, whatever they need to assist in teaching the subjects of science, technology, and math. CAP distributes about 350,000 kits to K-12 students nationwide.
I hadn’t thought of an organization like this saving me (my government), money but, CAP services, performed in the air and on the ground by volunteers, cost only $120 to $165 per flying hour, saving millions of dollars over other aviation options. While the volunteers are not paid, it still costs to fly those planes. The next time someone is missing and there are search planes out there looking, just remember, this is not only an urgent humanitarian mission, it is saving you