cfiaime@ihnp4.UUCP (Jeff Williams) (03/29/84)
More information about CAP in reply to several questions. CAP does have its own airplanes, something like 4 per state as an average. These range from Cessna 150s to the first Aero Commander assigned to the White House in the 1950s. Typically, CAP uses high-wing, four place airplanes in the 145 to 180 horsepower class. These include Cessna T-41s, 172, 177, 172XP, and the like. There are several Cherokee 180s in the outfit, but for search and rescue, the high wing is better. The more exotic machines like the Helio Courier, Cessna U-3 "Blue Canoe", Dehavland "Beaver" and "Otter", Beech T-34 are being phased out because they are rather expensive to maintain and operate. (Matter of fact, if you are looking for a good O-1 "Bird Dog", CAP is auctioning off several. See the latest "Trade-a-Plane.") Most of the flying in CAP is done in member provided airplanes. This means either owned or rented by the pilot. During an Air Force authorized mission, you are reimbursed for fuel, oil, and maintenance. This normally works out to just about rental prices. For your own airplane, it can be a bargain. For other uses of the airplane, normally people share the expenses. Ground vehicles are also normally supplied by the member. There is little call for four-wheel drive in most cases, but vans and pickup trucks are always welcome. CAP has gotten some Defense Department surplus vehicles, if the paperwork is done correctly. In Illinois wing we have several large generator trucks, communications vans, and busses that are DOD surplus. Typically, you buy your own uniforms at the nearest Air Force base. You may luck out and get some surplus items like overcoats. Flight suits and flight jackets are available in some states, but it depends on the supply organization in CAP to do the paperwork correctly. (In Kansas, I was given several different types of flight jackets, and two flight suits. In Illinois, there does not seem to be a supply.) Again, if there are questions, please let me know. I will keep posting information as long as people request it. Jeff Williams AT&T Bell Laboratories - Naperville, IL ihnp4!cfiaime