Missions of the Civil Air Patrol

The mission of Civil Air Patrol is to voluntarily use its resources to meet civil emergencies, to encourage aerospace education of the general public, and to motivate young men and women to the ideals of leadership and service.

Emergency Services

Search and Rescue (SAR)

CAP volunteer pilots fly 85% of all inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB, Virginia. More than 100 lives are saved each year through CAP search and rescue efforts.

Disaster Relief

CAP volunteers are often the first on the scene when disaster strikes. CAP provides air and ground transportation, and an extensive communication network to local, state, and national disaster relief agencies.

Humanitarian Relief

CAP transports time-sensitive medical materials in support of humanitarian organizations such as the American Red Cross. CAP's live organ transport program is credited with saving an average of 10 lives every year.

Counterdrug Operations

Through agreements with the US Air Force, US Customs Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the US Forest Service, CAP provides aerial reconnaissance, airborne communications support, and airlift support of law enforcement personnel.

Aerospace Education

Internal

CAP's internal aerospace education program focuses on providing education opportunities for CAP members. Civil Air Patrol cadets receive training in a broad spectrum of aviation and space topics with an emphasis on career exploration. Cadets also receive a series of orientation flights which provide an introduction to aircraft operation.

External

Each year, CAP supports over 200 workshops for educators at colleges and universities across the country, preparing approximately 5,000 educators to teach aerospace-related subjects. CAP annually develops and publishes curricula and other aerospace education materials to be used in the nation's schools. Each year, CAP sponsors the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, the premier national convention for aerospace educators.

Cadet Program

The goal of the Cadet Program is to develop the potential of young persons through physical fitness, ethics and leadership training, and aerospace education.

Aerospace Education

Most cadets join because of an interest in aviation. In addition to the self-paced aerospace curriculum that cadets study, CAP offers flight orientation rides and even flight training opportunities for cadets.

Leadership Training

CAP cadets receive unique leadership and management training that can can be used later in any career field. Some cadets join CAP because they have an interest in the Air Force. Ten percent of all students now enrolled in the Air Force Academy are former CAP cadets. Cadets who earn the CAP Mitchell Award are eligible to enlist in the Air Force at a higher pay grade.

Emergency Services Education and Community Service

CAP cadets train and work alongside CAP senior members and are an important part of CAP's emergency services team.

Return to Previous

CAP Membership

Are you interested in aviation and space? Do you want to get involved in search and rescue, disaster relief, and other humanitarian services? Would you like to develop leadership skills and serve your community? If so, then you may want to join the Civil Air Patrol!

Civil Air Patrol serves the country and community through its three missions of emergency services, aerospace education, and its cadet program.

Although closely associated with the United States Air Force, there is no military obligation as a member of Civil Air Patrol. All services are strictly voluntary. Members are eligible to wear a uniform similar to the Air Force uniform.

You do not have to be a pilot or own an airplane to become a member of Civil Air Patrol. We have a place for you: search and rescue mission observer, communications specialist, media relations officer, personnel officer, teacher, and many, many, more possibilities.

There are two main types of Civil Air Patrol membership, senior and cadet.

Senior Membership

CAP Senior Membership is open to men and women who are over the age of 18. Civil Air Patrol offers a unique opportunity for individuals to serve their community and country. Senior members take part in a wide range of activities including...

Teaching and working with cadets
Search and Rescue Training and Service
Counterdrug Reconnaissance Flights
Aerospace and Leadership Educational Opportunities

Cadet Membership

Althought the Fernandina Senior Squadron does not have any Cadet Memberships, there are several very excellent composite squadrons in the Jacksonville, Florida area, that do support cadets. CAP Cadet Membership is open to young men and women who are enrolled in 6th grade or higher and are under the age of 19. Cadets join CAP for many reasons. Many join because they are interested in pursuing careers in aviation. Others join because of an interest in emergency services or the military. CAP has many things to offer cadets including...

Aerospace Education (including flight opportunities)
Leadership and Management Training
Search and Rescue Training and Service


Return to Previous

Contacting the Fernandina Senior Squadron

The Fernandina Senior Squadron building is located on the north side of the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport adjacent to the airport access road. Squadron meetings are held at 0900 hours on first Saturday of each month.

Return to Previous

Other Sites of Interest

Experimental Aircraft Association - Home Page - National Organization
EAA Chapter 943 - Home Page - Fernandina Beach Chapter
Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport - Local Airport Information
Herlong Composite Squadron - Jacksonville, Florida
Florida Wing - Links - General Information and Other Links


Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association - National General Aviation Advocate
FAA Orlando Flight Standard District Office - The Local Feds


Return to Previous