Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 61

The Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Responsible for performing over ninety five percent of all missing aircraft searches within the continental United States, the Civil Air Patrol is also tasked with encouraging aerospace education and offers an excellent cadet program for girls and boys aged between 11 and 18.

Formed just before World War II the Civil Air Patrol was created to patrol coastal waters in the USA for enemy submarines. In 1948, the Civil Air Patrol became the official civilian auxiliary of the US Air Force, responsible for land based search & rescue. Today the role of the Civil Air Patrol is changing yet again to take on Homeland Security missions and other classified operations.

The Civil Air Patrol offers its members demanding flying opportunities and training for both pilots and non-pilots that is guaranteed to improve your skills as a pilot and much more. If you have skills as a pilot, radio operator, or emergency medicine, the Civil Air Patrol has opportunites that are bound to interest and challenge you.

Quick Facts

The CAP was formed on December 1st, 1941, just one week before Pearl Harbor

The CAP was credited with sinking at least one submarine during WW2

The CAP has the world's largest fleet of single engine aircraft, mostly Cessna 172 and 182 models

The CAP GA-8 Airvan is fitted with some of the most advanced imaging technology in the US Air Force