The SAR training can be done in phases. Take the Scanner course first, this is the
back seat or spotter position. You learn the basic's of how a search is organized
and executed. Then train for the observer ( right seat) you spot out the right
side and run radio's and GPS. You can be doing flying at the same time and get a
form 5 (check ride) to allow you to fly CAP aircraft and with your hours also fly
cadet orientation flights (free rides for cadet using a training syllabus paid for
by CAP/USAF). Then you start mission pilot training which is where I am at, now I
am ready for the form 91 (mission pilot check ride) but I personally feel I need
more practice with the DF gear as ELT searches are a large part of the missions
flown, next are the GPS search patterns which you need to demonstrate proficiency
in. The biggest draw back here is that the training missions are usually twice or
if your lucky three time a year so you need to do some practice on your own to get
finished and I have both time and money limitations in doing that.

The written test for the form 5 is nothing more than a questionnaire on the
aircraft you will be flying with answers right out of the POH. And none of the SAR
online test have been hard if you take a few training sessions and download the
manuals to review.

Rachel wrote:

Ronald Gardner wrote:
What are you talking about? There is a log for your time and write ups ect.
for the aircraft and that is it. If that is to much for you to understand I
question how you passed the PP ground school and written.

Yes there are form in CAP much of the and test are online and I have not seen
one that was more than needing a little study work to complete or pass.

Don't let this type of statement sway anyone's idea. Try it and see and make
your own long term decision.

The training and testing is just like what a good volunteer fire department
would demand if you joined just different.

How hard is the testing are we talking about? I haven't flown much in
the past few years, and don't consider myself to be very proficient.
The instructor who has been doing instrument work with me disagrees, but
I don't want to even get into a situation where they tell me I'm not
good enough, you know?