First of All, CAP is not a flying club. You dont join and rent airplanes. It is NOOOT a place to build time. CAP is a voulnteer organization with three distinct missions.

1.Emergency Services. CAP conducts search and rescue missions looking for missing aircraft and lost peole. They search by air and by ground. They also assist local authorities during natural disaters such as hurricanes, tornados and floods. members are trined in search techniques, rescue and flying search grids.

2. Aerospace Education. CAP condcuts programs to introduce aerospace in the community and its members. CAP tours space facilities, NASA reserach centers, and studies the history of the space program.

3. Cadet Programs. CAP runs a youth program to teach youths ages 12-18 responsibility, and leadership. They use the Air Force as a model. cadets get to participate in activities such as cadet encampments where they stay on a military base, orientation rides where they get to fly in a Cessna 172, and special activities.

So, you see CAP is not a timebuilding program.they conduct real world missions. They train in Search and Rescue. Someone said earlier cadets are observers. I dont know wher ethat came from but thats not correct. Its more of a Serach and rescue organizationthan a flying origanization and from my readings onthis board I doubt many of you would be interested. But yet some may. I have been in CAP since 1984. I enjoy it but thats me I am not one of those gys trying to build time to get an airline job. I actually enjoy flying General aviation aircraft and I enjoy giving back to my community.

Units differ fromlocation to location. Some units fly more than others. SOme units just focus on cadets. You have tofind a unit thats right for you.