Flight Operations FAQ

General Questions

Where can I find the chart/matrix describing what pilot qualifications are required for certain flights to adhere to FAA exemption?

CAPP 70-4, Guide to FAA Exemptions provides the chart describing the qualifications/certification required for certain types of CAP operations and restrictions on reimbursement of costs.

As the Civil Air Patrol conducts a wide variety of aviation mission types while using several different Pilot rating/endorsements, it would be best to utilize the local expertise in your chain of command to help with matching required Pilot qualifications to the CAP aviation mission types where FAA exemptions apply; your Unit, Wing, and Region Stan/Eval Officers are a wealth of knowledge and are ready to assist.

Are online-only first aid and CPR classes be acceptable for completing the requirement for ES qualifications?

No. CAPR 60-3 is clear on this point (ref page 18, paragraph 1-24f): "When first aid or higher medical training is required for qualification in a particular specialty, the expectation is that the qualification course includes both knowledge and practical skills training; first aid courses taken online only are not acceptable; though members are not considered employees when supporting operations, courses are expected to meet the National Guidelines for First Aid in Occupational Settings available at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf or ASTM F 2171-02 (2009), Standard Guide for defining the Performance of First Aid Providers in Occupational Settings."

Should you walk backwards while marshalling an aircraft? Any references?

Individuals need to be taught where to stand when directing aircraft so they will not have to move backward.  One of the Flight Line Marshaller’s responsibilities is to be responsible for the safety of assistants and trainees by verifying they know where to stand when directing aircraft, so they will not have to move backward.

See below from Aircrew & Flightline Tasks:

O-3001 Discuss Flight Line Marshaller’s Responsibilities 2. You are responsible for the safety of your assistants and trainees, assuring they are properly trained a. Verify they know where to stand when directing aircraft, so they will not have to move backward. b. Verify they know the proper hand and arm signals to direct the aircraft. c. Verify that they know how to communicate with you and you with the Flight Line Supervisor for instructions.

O-3009 Perform Aircraft Taxi Procedures 2. CAP personnel marshalling aircraft must position themselves to meet the following requirements a. Never position yourself in the path of an oncoming aircraft b. Never position yourself in a location where any part of an aircraft will pass over you c. Never walk backwards on the ramp d. Never run on the ramp e. Always marshal aircraft entering a congested ramp under CAP control f. Always get enough personnel to control aircraft movement without compromising safety g. Always position yourself where you can maintain direct eye contact with the pilot-in-command (ten feet to the pilot’s left of the left wing tip and far enough in front of the aircraft to allow for a turn in front of you is ideal) h. Always hand the aircraft off to the next marshaller before the pilot losses sight of you. 3. Careful planning of the number of resources and their position can accomplish this with ease. Suggested marshaller positioning is shown on the following diagrams for departing (fig. 1) and arriving (fig. 2) aircraft.

You can also take the ""Aircraft Ground Handling"" Course on Learning Management System to learn more about aircraft movement. "

Where can I find information on the Geospatial Information Interoperability Exploitation Portable (GIIEP) system?

Geospatial Information Interoperability Exploitation Portable (GIIEP) systems are no longer in use.  The DAART system has taken its place. Note: DAART stands for DOMOPS Awareness and Assessment Response Tool (DAART) A fact sheet on DAART can be found through the following link is linked at: DAART Fact Sheet

Once a NIMS course is completed online (e.g., IS-800) how does it get entered on my SQTR in eServices?

See procedures below from National Incident Management System (NIMS) Personnel completing IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 online must upload a copy of the course certificate in ""Ops Quals"" in eServices. Unfortunately, completion of these courses cannot be automatically loaded into Ops Qualifications in eServices as this is not supported by DHS. To upload a document follow the steps below: 1) Log into eServices 2) Go to ""Operations Qualifications"" under Operations 3) Click on ""Entry/View Worksheet"" 4) Enter your CAP ID 5) Select ""View/Upload Documents"" right below your name at the top of the screen. 6) Select the document you would like to upload from the drop down menu. 7) Browse for the document on your computer and upload. After the training/document is validated, you will see credit in the training areas.

Where can I find the requirements to be a flight line marshaller?

For Flight Line Marshaller (FLM) requirements see My Operations Qualifications under eServices. Also refer to Para 2-3 of CAPR 60-3. The following link will take you to the SQTRs in Ops Quals. The SQTR outlines all the training requirements for FLM: Flight Line Marshaller SQTR There is not a minimum age for Flight Line Marshaller.

What regulation has the requirements for an Operations Training Plan?

The requirement can be found in CAPR 60-3, para 1-7.

Where can I find details on the Operations Qualifications application?

Operations Qualifications includes all Emergency Services, Cadet, Pilot, Counterdrug, Reports and Mission Availability modules so the member only has to go to one application to enter all their data.

There are links to the applications under both the CAP Utilities and the Restricted Applications sides in eServices. The application under CAP Utilities called ""My Operations Qualifications"" will allow the member to enter in his or her own information. This information will have to be validated or approved as defined by the rules in the corresponding regulations. The link under Restricted Applications called ""Operations Qualifications"" allows the member to enter in other members information based off permissions granted in the Web Security Administration application. There are additional modules, such as Validation and Suspension available under the Restricted Applications that are not available under CAP Utilities.

You can also use the following link: Operations Qualifications

Are there any CAP regulations regarding recall rosters?

Yes. CAPR 60-3 requires CAP wings to establish and maintain an alerting system to be used throughout the wing to provide immediate response on a limited basis at all times and full-scale operations as soon as possible. It does not mandate a particular form or method for the recall roster such as a telephone recall or electronic notification, but does require the established alerting system to be used throughout the wing.

On my 101 card it says that I am SET qualified. What exactly is my function as a skills evaluator. What am I qualified to do?

As a qualified evaluator you may certify CAP members training in those areas under your supervision.

For more information please refer to CAPR 60-3, para 2-2.

Where can I find the hand signals used on the flight line for marshalling aircraft? I'm trying to train several new cadets on the hand signals.

See Chapter 2 of AIR FORCE MANUAL 11-218 AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS AND MOVEMENT ON THE GROUND (Large PDF File)

This instruction implements AFPD 11-2, Flight Rules and Procedures. It prescribes rules for the operation, movement, and control of aircraft on the ground. This instruction applies to ground operations of all USAF aircraft operating in an aircraft apron/ramp and movement area at any airfield, whether military, civilian, or foreign. This instruction does not apply to specialized maintenance procedures normally conducted away from aircraft apron/ramp and movement areas, such as engine runs conducted in approved sound suppressors. This instruction applies to all personnel operating USAF aircraft on the ground, whether military, civilian, or contractor.

What type of training and supervision is required for CAP members to marshall aircraft at an airshow?

CAP members may not direct parking of aircraft at air shows unless they have received training on aircraft marshalling and have a flight line authorization on CAPF 101 or CAPF 101T. A fully certified flight line marshaller (FLM) should be present to supervise all members in trainee status.

In addition, from CAPR 900-5, the following rules must be followed.

b. Permitted Activities. CAP units and members may assist with an air show sponsored and conducted wholly by agencies and organizations other than CAP. Prior permission to assist or participate in any air show must be obtained from the General Counsel at National Headquarters. No such advance permission is required if the CAP assistance or participation in an air show is limited to the following: (1) CAP members may be used as guides or to provide directions or information. (2) CAP units may setup a recruiting booth and/or a concession stand selling food and drinks on the premises of an air show, providing that CAP is not in any way acting as a sponsor. (3) CAP members may be used around parked or static display aircraft for guidance, information or direction.

How do I contact the CAP National Operations Center?

Contact information for the NOC is:

National Operations Center E-mail: opscenter@capnhq.gov Voice: 334-953-7299 Toll free (888) 211-1812 ext 300

I am aware that CAP Regulations do not allow aircrew to use night vision goggles, but is there a regulation prohibiting use among Ground Teams?

No. CAP ground resources may use night vision devices in support of SAR/DR operations while on foot or as passengers in vehicles. Use of night vision devices by drivers during motor vehicle operations is prohibited.

Night vision devices may not be used by the pilot flying CAP aircraft. However, night vision devices may be used by scanners and observers who have completed nationally approved training in the use of this equipment. Only nationally approved night vision devices are authorized for use.

Are we authorized to wear CAP pilot wings with our uniform when not yet checked out in a CAP aircraft? Such as, a member who is a current private pilot but does not yet meet the CAP requirements?

No. To wear the CAP pilot wings, you must be qualified as a CAP pilot which means meeting the requirements outlined in CAPR 35-6 which includes passing a CAPF 5 flight checks. Once the CAP pilot wings are earned, the member does not need to remain current to wear the wings.

Where can I find the CAP mission symbols for different types of missions?

CAPS 72-2, Mission Symbols describes the use of mission symbols and prescribes the symbols to be used based on mission activity, approval authority and funding source.

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/publications/standards

Where can I find information on the AF Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC)?

As the United States' inland search and rescue (SAR) coordinator, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) serves as the single agency responsible for coordinating on-land federal SAR activities in the 48 contiguous United States, Mexico and Canada.

The AFRCC is located under the 1st AF (AFNORTH) at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The center directly ties in to the Federal Aviation Administration's alerting system and the U.S. Mission Control Center. In addition to the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking information, the AFRCC computer system contains resource files that list federal and state organizations, which can conduct or assist in SAR efforts throughout North America. When a distress call is received, the center investigates the request, coordinates with federal, state, and local officials, and determines the type and scope of response necessary. Once verified as an actual distress situation, the AFRCC requests support from the appropriate federal SAR force. This may include Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, or other Department of Defense assets, as needed. State agencies can be contacted for state, local, or civil SAR resource assistance within their jurisdiction. The AFRCC chooses the rescue force based on availability and capability of forces, geographic location, terrain, weather conditions, and urgency of the situation. During ongoing SAR missions, the center serves as the communications hub and provides coordination and assistance to on-scene commanders or mission coordinators in order to recover the mission's objective in the safest and most effective manner possible. AFRCC uses state-of-the-art technology including a network of satellites for monitoring emergency locator transmitter signals. Systems such as these help reduce the critical time required to locate and recover people in distress.

Does the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offer some type of security awareness training for those involved in aviation?

Yes, the following link will provide information: Security Awareness

Following is an exerpt from its introduction: Welcome to the Flight School Security Awareness (FSSA) Training Module! The purpose of FSSA training is to raise general security awareness levels of employees working in the flight training industry. Employees in this industry must be able to question and respond appropriately to any behaviors or activities that may present a threat to aviation security.

This training module will provide you with the basic knowledge on indicators of suspicious activity and how suspicious activity should be reported. It will also include a variety of scenarios to test your knowledge on what you have learned and will conclude with recommended best practices. Upon completion of the training you will receive a printable certificate.

What is the criteria for award of the incident commander's badge?

Incident Commander Badge. A three-level specialty insignia was approved for those members qualifying as Incident Commanders under CAPR 60-3. The senior badge is worn by members earning the IC-2 rating and the master badge by those earning the IC-1 rating. The badge is worn in the same position as the Ground Team Badge and other specialty insignia. A cloth version is available for wear on the BDU and field uniforms

What type of activity classifies as an AFAM?

Air Force Assigned Missions (AFAM) are defined in AFI 10-2701, para 2.2

Are Cadets authorized to wear specialty track badges? If so, what are the requirements for earning these badges?

Cadets can earn and wear certain specialty badges although they do not receive the technician rating until they complete the requirements as senior members. There are some positions which have age limitations which would prohibit cadets from holding certain jobs. Badges presently available for cadets include Emergency Services, Communications and History.

Also please see CAPR 35-6, CAPR 60-3, CAPR 210-1, CAPP 223

What are the requirements for the CAP Operations Officer specialty track?

Specialty track requirements for Operations Officer can be found in CAPP 211.

Is there a requirement to wear a safety vest with BDUs during ground team activities?

Safety vests rules have changed. The policy can be found in CAPR 160-1 in section 3.6. titled "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)".