SQ 314 Emergency Services Tip # 06a February 2015

Steps to Qualify for CAP Mission Observer Rating

The Mission Observer is the CAP aircrew member that rides in the right front seat of an aircraft. The Observer scans out of the right side of the aircraft as required for items tasked by various agencies. These tasks may consist of downed aircraft, missing persons, damage assessment or photo reconnaisance. The Observer also operates the CAP FM radio and the Direction Finder. The Observer may also be required to to set up search patterns on the G-1000 Multi Function Display as required by the Mission Pilot.

There are three levels of CAP Observer Ratings. CAP Regulation 35-6, para. 1, (Aero Ratings) outlines the qualifications for these ratings as follows:

1. CAP Observer Rating

This is the basic observer rating. All you need to do to be qualified to wear the wingsis to become a qualified CAP Mission Observer.

2. CAP Senior Observer Rating

To qualify for CAP Senior Observer you must do the following:

a. Be qualified as a CAP Observer.

b. Be qualified as a CAP Mission Observer for 3 years.

c. Log 100 hours of certified* flying time as a CAP Mission Observer.

3. CAP Master Observer Rating

To qualify for CAP Master Observer you must do the following:

a. Be qualified as a CAP Senior Mission Observer.

b. Be qualified as a CAP Mission Observer for 5 years.

c. Log 200 hours of certified* flying time as a CAP Mission Observer.

d. Log 20 sorties as a Senior Mission Observer on funded or SAREX missions.

certified* means officially logged, similar to an FAA pilot log.

When you have reached any of the above levels, contact your Emergency Services

Officer or Emergency Services Training Officer to obtain credit and the right to wear your wings.

Vernon H. Parsons, Lt.Col. CAP

SQ314 Emergency Services Training Officer