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Flying enthusiast Gill Robb Wilson, who later became editor and publisher of Flying Magazine, saw how general aviation could help turn the tide. The plan was to have private airplanes patrol the coast to spot submarines, which at that time had to spend most of their time on the surface. Wilson took up a leadership role in making it happen. When asked why the German Navy abandoned operations off America's coast, a German admiral was quoted as saying, "It was because of those damned little airplanes!" Some 77 years later, Wilson's "little airplanes" have become the Civil Air Patrol. They are still being used to provide a myriad of missions that can only be done with general aviation airplanes to the Air Force and to communities throughout the United States. As a current pilot you can use your hard-earned knowledge and skills to fly CAP airplanes for something far more rewarding than going for a hundred -dollar hamburger. You won't be paid for your flying, but on the other hand, on missions you won't have to pay for the cost of the airplane. Because all CAP pilots, including instructors, are volunteers, any flight instruction you receive to get qualified for missions will be free of charge. Your cost will be the fuel and a flat maintenance fee which is much less than the normal rental rate. The good news is you can fly the aircraft to keep current or get a new license or rating on the same terms. The downside to all of this is that if your sole motivation is to get cheap flying, it won't really work out for either you or the CAP. There is a non -flying -time commitment required. Most CAP squadrons meet an average of two hours each week, with a specialty/training activity one to two weekends a month. You also will have to pay dues. And while you are flying, you will be expected to wear a CAP uniform — which, for the uniform -phobic, could consist of just a CAP polo shirt along with gray slacks and black shoes.