Dancing with angels

[plthijinx]

CAP doesn't have an age limit. they're fees are less than $50 a year. the planes are cheap albeit they rent dry so you have to top the plane off when your done flying. something else to consider is the recreational pilots license. you're pretty limited. i did a little research for you:

pardon the gummit jargon:

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 14, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 14CFR61.101]

[Page 64-66]

TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE

CHAPTER I--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(CONTINUED)

PART 61_CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS--Table of Contents

Subpart D_Recreational Pilots

Sec. 61.101 Recreational pilot privileges and limitations.

(a) A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may:
(1) Carry no more than one passenger; and
(2) Not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses
of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel,
oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees.
(b) A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may act as
pilot in command of an aircraft on a flight that is within 50 nautical
miles from the departure airport, provided that person has:
(1) Received ground and flight training for takeoff, departure,
arrival, and landing procedures at the departure airport;
(2) Received ground and flight training for the area, terrain, and
aids to navigation that are in the vicinity of the departure airport;
(3) Been found proficient to operate the aircraft at the departure
airport and the area within 50 nautical miles from that airport; and
(4) Received from an authorized instructor a logbook endorsement,
which is carried in the person's possession in the aircraft, that
permits flight within 50 nautical miles from the departure airport.

[[Page 65]]

(c) A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate may act as
pilot in command of an aircraft on a flight that exceeds 50 nautical
miles from the departure airport, provided that person has:
(1) Received ground and flight training from an authorized
instructor on the cross-country training requirements of subpart E of
this part that apply to the aircraft rating held;
(2) Been found proficient in cross-country flying; and
(3) Received from an authorized instructor a logbook endorsement,
which is carried on the person's possession in the aircraft, that
certifies the person has received and been found proficient in the
cross-country training requirements of subpart E of this part that apply
to the aircraft rating held.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, a
recreational pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft:
(1) That is certificated for more than four occupants, with more
than one powerplant, with a powerplant of more than 180 horsepower, or
with retractable landing gear.
(2) That is classified as a multiengine airplane, powered-lift,
glider, airship, or balloon;
(3) That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or
hire;
(4) For compensation or hire;
(5) In furtherance of a business;
(6) Between sunset and sunrise;
(7) In airspace in which communication with air traffic control is
required;
(8) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL,
whichever is higher;
(9) When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute
miles;
(10) Without visual reference to the surface;
(11) On a flight outside the United States;
(12) To demonstrate that aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer;
(13) That is used in a passenger-carrying airlift and sponsored by a
charitable organization; and
(14) That is towing any object.
(e) A recreational pilot may not act as a pilot flight crewmember on
any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type
certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is
conducted, except when:
(1) Receiving flight training from a person authorized to provide
flight training on board an airship; and
(2) No person other than a required flight crewmember is carried on
the aircraft.
(f) A person who holds a recreational pilot certificate, has logged
fewer than 400 flight hours, and has not logged pilot-in-command time in
an aircraft within the 180 days preceding the flight shall not act as
pilot in command of an aircraft until the pilot receives flight training
and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor, and the
instructor certifies that the person is proficient to act as pilot in
command of the aircraft. This requirement can be met in combination with
the requirements of Sec. Sec. 61.56 and 61.57 of this part, at the
discretion of the authorized instructor.
(g) A recreational pilot certificate issued under this subpart
carries the notation, ``Holder does not meet ICAO requirements.''
(h) For the purpose of obtaining additional certificates or ratings
while under the supervision of an authorized instructor, a recreational
pilot may fly as the sole occupant of an aircraft:
(1) For which the pilot does not hold an appropriate category or
class rating;
(2) Within airspace that requires communication with air traffic
control; or
(3) Between sunset and sunrise, provided the flight or surface
visibility is at least 5 statute miles.
(i) In order to fly solo as provided in paragraph (h) of this
section, the recreational pilot must meet the appropriate aeronautical
knowledge and flight training requirements of Sec. 61.87 for that
aircraft. When operating an aircraft under the conditions specified in
paragraph (h) of this section, the recreational pilot shall carry the
logbook that has been endorsed for each flight by an authorized
instructor who:
(1) Has given the recreational pilot training in the make and model
of aircraft in which the solo flight is to be made;

[[Page 66]]

(2) Has found that the recreational pilot has met the applicable
requirements of Sec. 61.87; and
(3) Has found that the recreational pilot is competent to make solo
flights in accordance with the logbook endorsement.

[plthijinx]

forgot to mention that the recreational license is about half the cost of a private and you can always upgrade to it....

[Elspode]

I just signed up the youngest for CAP tonight. Had to sign a flight waiver (presumably so we won't sue if something bad happens).

Somehow, I hope to snarf a flight or two out of all this before it is over. The first night we went, it was strongly hinted that they'd be happy to have me join as an adult member, and in truth, it would be kind of fun, but I'm too damn busy doing too many other things.

[plthijinx]

els, if you've thought about it this much then do it, trust me, you'll find time once you start.

[Kitsune]

I actually wouldn't mind joining CAP myself, but I don't fully understand what they do besides search and rescue. It seems to almost be a branch of the military, but not quite. I don't know how many hours a week they expect people to put in.

[plthijinx]

your best bet is to locate a squadron near you. you can find that here

[xoxoxoBruce]

Think of them as the Air Scouts.

[plthijinx]

Originally posted by xoxoxoBruce
Think of them as the Air Scouts.

couldn't have said it better myself!

[Elspode]

Originally posted by xoxoxoBruce
Think of them as the Air Scouts.

Yup, that's pretty much what I'm observing. I'm pretty excited for the kid. I hope he stays enthusiastic about it.

[plthijinx]

how old is your youngest els? and as far as the enthusiasm, my boy is 2-1/2 and LOVES to see/be around airplanes. haven't gotten him up yet but he is interested....

[Kitsune]

I did a little research on CAP and it looks interesting, but perhaps a little too para-military for me. I'm still not sure, yet, and I need to make sure I have the time to devote long before I even think of joining.

For now, I'm going to pursue my private pilot's license sometime in the next year. Maybe. If it works out. Hopefully. Perhaps.

[Elspode]

Originally posted by plthijinx
how old is your youngest els? and as far as the enthusiasm, my boy is 2-1/2 and LOVES to see/be around airplanes. haven't gotten him up yet but he is interested....

He will be 14 in July...

[Elspode]

Originally posted by Kitsune
I did a little research on CAP and it looks interesting, but perhaps a little too para-military for me.

I had that fear as well, but the Squadron my kid is signed up for seems pretty laid back. Actually, I see a real good balance between discipline and "normal kids" there. I was actually impressed by how they carry that off.

[plthijinx]

all that and it keeps them out of trouble too!

[xoxoxoBruce]

all that and it keeps them out of trouble too!

That's just a ruse until they get their hands on a plane. Then it's loose girlfriends and the tropics, when you aren't looking.