Yes CAP requires a lot of training! However in order to do the job
correctly and professionally it is the only way. You don't want to be a
yahoo do gooder that can't find a downed pilot that you should have found
and then try to explain it to the family why you failed. It happens even
with the best training, it is a tough job under ideal conditions and most
of the time they are not ideal when you are needed. I am a qualified right
seater and scanner, I am still working towards Command Pilot but until I am
sure I can do the job 100% I will not take the check ride. I joined
because as a pilot, if I need the help some day, I want to know there are
people willing to volunteer their time to be Professional SAR personnel.
Same goes for if you live in a community served by a Volunteer Fire Dept.,
if you need them you want them to know what they are doing i.e. trained and
you should be willing to support them in case you need them in return some
day.

"Robert M. Gary" wrote:

I'm still pretty new in CAP. One thing I've realized is that it takes
at least a year or two before you can actually fly missions. There are
lots and lots and lots of training courses and certifications you much
receive first.
I've also noticed that we have a Coast Guard Auxiliary in town
(Sacramento) with an active aviation unit. What is the difference to a
pilot (in terms of training, missions, aircraft) between CG and AF aux?

BTW: I heard rumor that CG aux get full BX priv's while CAP only get
uniform BX privs.

-Robert, CFI