SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —
The 375th Air Mobility Wing recently hosted a flight clinic as a part of a joint initiative with the Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol at Scott Air Force Base, IL from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2024.
Members from Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin gathered at Scott for training to become CAP-certified pilots or upgrade their qualifications. 52 personnel attended the clinic, flying over 72 hours across 63 sorties, resulting in 15 pilots being certified or recertified and 15 new flight line marshaling certifications.
“The goal is to qualify pilots new to CAP and upgrade existing pilots so they can use their skills in search missions, aerial photography, communications, and damage assessment missions,” said U.S. CAP Lt. Col. Charles Springer, ILWG director of operations. “Having this and other activities on Air Force installations and partnering with the Air Force shapes our interoperability for any future combined missions or, in some cases, some mission relief when the Air Force warfighters get deployed.”
The CAP is the official auxiliary unit of the Air Force. CAP’s mission includes helping communities in emergencies, offering aviation and ground help, supporting youth, and promoting knowledge of air, space, and cyber through education. There are many categories of pilots, such as visual flight rules pilots, glider pilots, orientation pilots, transport mission pilots, mission pilots, and instructor pilots.
Unlike the 375th AMW, most, if not all, CAP members hold jobs outside of their CAP duty, similar to the reserves—the CAP is an all-volunteer service.
“It’s an opportunity to be a part of helping people in all the ways you can,” said CAP Cadet 1st. Lt. Ruthie Wriedt, Rockford Composite Squadron pilot, when asked about the importance of being a cadet. “This weekend I was able to get some time in the Cessna 182 and train as a mission scanner.”
CAP pilot training follows a specialized process. Prospective pilots must be FAA-qualified, complete operational check rides, and balance typical officer duties. Cadets like Wriedt who’ve cleared an FAA check ride can begin piloting without holding a commission, a rare opportunity.
U.S. Civil Air Patrol Capt. Joe Long, Palwaukee Composite Squadron commander, used his experience as the wing director of operations, qualified mission pilot, flight instructor, and check pilot examiner to train pilots on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Nov. 2, 2024. CAP members from several Midwest states, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin, gathered at Scott for critical training aimed at certifying and upgrading CAP pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons)
“This onboarding clinic is helping us get pilots spun up and qualified to fly CAP planes in the southern Illinois area,” said U.S. CAP Capt. Joe Long, Palwaukee Composite Squadron commander. “I’m an Air Force veteran, and I continue to serve by being in the Air Force Auxillary Service. If you are a pilot, this is a good way to serve your country and use your skills to give back to your community and nation, and it’s fun flying.”
