MikeB525

Hi all,

For the purposes of applying for a flying job or creating a pilot resume, how can I best expound my Civil Air Patrol experience? CAP is a volunteer non-profit that is sponsored by the US Air Force (we wear their uniforms) and provides numerous benevolent services like search and rescue and disaster relief. I've been a member since I was a kid and now am a captain and hold a position in the wing operations department. I'm qualified for SAR/DR mission piloting, cadet orientation flying, and now instructing too. For the hurricane I flew well over 30 hours of missions in support of FEMA imaging.

We have a "company" flight manual and procedures that we have to follow, and we try to be as professional in our operations as we can.

So can I effectively list CAP as a "job" even though it's a non-profit and all my work for them is done on a volunteer basis?

JohnBurke

You can list it as volunteer experience, along with the rotary club, the parent-teacher association, and your generous support of the national foundation to elevate recognition of canine frisbee sports.

It's not employment experience. It is industry experience, and you can certainly list it, but you should be aware that a great many in the industry don't hold a particularly high opinion of Civil Air Patrol. It may not mean as much to others as it means to you. You may also find that it works against you in some cases. Plan accordingly.

atpwannabe

Mike:

I suggest that you list it separately. Experience is experience...no matter how it's gained. And as far as those who don't hold a high regard for Civil Air Patrol, I hope that you never need "us"!

Oh and btw Mike, your dedication & service to your local community is greatly appreciated!



Marcus
(atpwannabe)
Fmr. C/2nd Lt.
Fmr. Cadet Deputy Cmdr
Palm Beach Cadet Squadron

Learjet FO

They will respect it. I discuss my CAP membership proudly in EVERY interview I have had and I have NEVER not been hired after the interview. Did I run into a few eccentric seniors, people at or near the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder (been there), or members who weren't professional? Of course. It's a volunteer organization and you get the crew you pay for. I got my CFI with the GI Bill and put in my blood sweat and years and now I'm flying a Lear 3 days a week most weeks and getting paid like people who actually have to work for a living.
former CAP Cadet 1LT
former CAP Captain
SEMPER VIGILANS, ALWAYS VIGILANT!

ClarenceOver

It doesn't mean anything. You got flight hours on taxpayers dime. Thats it.

Beaver Hunter

I am a CAP member. I have done the OR flight thing and finally threw in the towel because the paperwork was getting crazy. My hats off to you for putting up with it. I would list it as a volunteer activity. Too many people with too many opinions. But I feel most will agree the serving the community is always a good thing.

Learjet FO

35 and 36. L3

Airhoss

Flight time is flight time. CAP time is just as valuable as any other. There are definitely some folks who do NOT hold the CAP in high regard for some very legitimate reasons. I think that it would hurt you in a job interview however that you are a CAP guy.

flylikesly

CAP is not something I or many others recommend putting on your resume. There are many many people who do not respect the organization. If I where you I would not even mention it in an interview as well. My dad is in the CAP and I have no problem with it, but he doesn't want to fly professionally either so apples and oranges.

Airhoss

If I was interviewing a guy who kept emphasizing his CAP experiences over other experiences my thoughts would be that this guy is seriously "MICKEY MOUSE" and not yet ready for professional flying. If he was to casually mention that he did some CAP flying it wouldn't bother me.

That's just me, I have not had good experiences with the CAP over the years.