Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol has a long and proud history of volunteerism, serving America in times of distress and national emergency. We provide emergency services, mentor young people and educate the public right in our own community.
CAP owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine, piston aircraft in any volunteer organization. CAP's emergency services and missions include:
- Inland search and rescue (we average 100 lives saved per year)
- Aerial reconnaissance for homeland security
- Disaster-relief and damage assessment
- Transport for time-sensitive medical materials
- Counterdrug missions
Cadet Programs
In addition to emergency services, CAP maintains a robust young cadet's program for young men and women between the ages of 12 and 21. Civil Air Patrol builds strong citizens for the future by providing:
- leadership training,
- technical education,
- scholarships and career education.
Thousands of young people have their first orientation flights through the cadet program, and tens of thousands have attended CAP encampments throughout the nation.
Senior Members Program
Open to anyone over the age of 18, Senior Members train for, and particiate, in numerous service specialties. In times of need or emergencies, properly qualified members provide invaluable services to the community and nation. Because of this, comprehensive training and preparation is required of all mission personnel both on the ground and in the air. Recognition and advanced ranks can be earned for members who successfully complete their training in specialties that can include:
- Aircraft Personnel
- Mission Pilots
- Mission Coordinators
- Mission Observers and Scanners
- Ground Operations
- Safety Officers
- Aerospace Education
- Cadet Leaders and Supervisors
- Public Information
- Counter Drug Operations
Aerospace Education
CAP offers more than 30 educational products, including a secondary textbook, Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, and the middle-school-level Aerospace Dimensions.
Community Services
Teachers can get free classroom materials and lesson plans from CAP by joining CAP’s Aerospace Education Membership program. All CAP materials meet national standards.
Public Relations
CAP is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation, and an official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. There are more than 64,000 CAP members nationwide, including 27,000 cadets ages 12-21.
