Tony Cox wrote:

Does anyone know what sorts of discounts are offered
to CAP members on aircraft parts, compared to say
buying from Sporty's or Chief?

Hell no. CAP means Come And Pay. The CAP discount at my local
Cessna/Piper parts place is 10%. "My" discount for the same parts is
15%... CAP doesn't pay State Sales Tax; I do.

Any other info on CAP would be most welcome. I'm
weighing up the pros and cons of joining (and I'll need
a new fuel bladder in a few months, shameless mercenary
that I am).

I met my primary flight instructor in CAP. He taught me for free.

I met my AP/AI in CAP. He does my inspections at a very low cost.

I met a lot of lifelong friends in CAP. We go flying on non CAP outings.

I learned a lot about Mountain flying, Search and Rescue, ELT hunting,
Search Mission management, Incident command, communication in CAP.

I have logged more than 500 hours of CAP flying.

I personally found several dead people and saved several lives while in CAP.

I also learned to hate bull**** paperwork, officious ex-military pricks,
brown noses, politics, and uniforms.

I have been a CAP member for more than 25 years, but the last mentioned
has gotten to me. I still pay my dues, but no longer participate.

MikeM, LtC CAP
Skylane '1MM
Pacer '00Z