Laserfiche WebLink
The Civil Air Patrol operates the largest general aviation fleet in the world.CouriesvKing Schools <br />When the CAP recently asked me to serve on its Board of Governors, I was very honored, but at the same time <br />embarrassed. <br />I realized that while I had seen CAP airplanes around airports for years, I really didn't know much about the <br />organization. It was time for me to go to school on the subject, and study hard. <br />The CAP gave me a head start by having me attend the National Conference in Anaheim, California. It was <br />like drinking from a fire hose. <br />I slowly began to get an idea of the magnitude of the Civil Air Patrol. With 560 airplanes, it is the largest <br />general aviation fleet in the world. <br />After my first board meeting, the CAP continued its efforts to educate me. It sent me to school at Maxwell Air <br />Force Base, the headquarters of the CAP, where I spent two days learning from managers about what their <br />various departments were doing. It was especially fun for me to be there because it is the same place my father <br />went to school when he was in the Air Force. <br />First, CAP airplanes are used to support the U.S. Air Force by flying missions at a fraction of the cost the Air <br />Force would otherwise incur. <br />They are often used as interception targets for training fighter jet and helicopter pilots. Plus, they are used to <br />support Predator and Reaper drone operations. For instance, they escort Predators in controlled airspace to <br />/,/I,, 0\ <br />