Originally Posted by MikeB525

Long time member, both cadet and senior member. It's a great organization if you're the right fit for it. I did get to do a lot of time building flying orientation flights and other types of missions. The free flying is basically a function of Air Force funding, and people actually don't take advantage of it as much as they could, at least in my wing. A lot of monthly proficiency and training money goes unused.

Cadets can do primary training with approved CFI members. Adult members cannot do primary training, but can use CAP aircraft to add additional ratings if they are current mission pilots or have been members for at least a year. "Rental" rates vary; my wing is currently $90/hr for the C172 and $130/hr for the G1000 C182 (both wet).

Cultures between squadrons can be great. Some squadrons are really great, others suck. Squadrons can also become somewhat boring places if you want to focus on flight operations, at least it was for me. I became happier when I moved up to the wing (state level) operations department.

In my life CAP has had its frustrating times, and also some of the best experiences, memories, and friendships I have. One of the best experiences was flying photo missions after Hurricane Sandy. We created complete photomosaics of the entire affected area for FEMA. I personally flew 30+ hours for that mission.