17 October 2005

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL ALASKA WING MEMBERS

FROM:  CC

SUBJECT:  Policy Letter No. 15

        Alaska Wing Seaplane Training Policy

1.      This memorandum is to state the Wing policy regarding the requirements for acquiring a Single Engine Seaplane Rating (SES) utilizing CAP corporate assets.  It has always been the support of the CAP toward advancement of its membership abilities through acquiring additional training and ratings.  The regulations, however, have limited advancement due to concerns for safety, appropriate use of CAP resources, and for remaining non-competitive with local fixed base operators (FBOs).  However, due to the complexity of CAP’s missions and the increase of non-SES rated crews, the Alaska Wing has received a Wing Specific Waiver allowing training toward the additional SES rating to the membership only.

2.      CAPR 60-1 allows the commander at Wing and Region levels of command to establish and maintain both a standard and a method to implement authorized training.  Accordingly the Alaska Wing Commander has directed that all individuals requesting additional training toward, and final flight-testing for a SES rating must first be approved by the Wing Commander.  The following minimum criteria will be considered when reviewing the request for additional training and rating:

a.      Length of membership, (a minimum of 18 months of continual participation).

b.      Mission pilot status is required.

c.      A minimum of 250 hours PIC time.

d.      Experience in make and model.

e.      Commitment to CAP.

f.        Recommendation by the respective squadron review board and the squadron Commander.

g.      Letter of request and approval by the Wing Commander, letter to be on file at the Wing with a copy in the pilot file.

3.      Flight Instructors that train selected individuals must meet the following:

a.      Be a qualified CAP seaplane instructor.

b.      Have a letter of recommendation from his/her unit to provide seaplane instruction for the Alaska Wing membership.

c.      A minimum of 100 hours of float experience, with a minimum of 10 hours in the make and model that instruction will be provided in. (25 hours in float equipped DHC-2 aircraft).

d.      Experience in make and model in the land configuration, (wheels/skis).

e.      Fully understand the responsibilities and liabilities of providing instruction to an applicant that is not seaplane qualified.

f.        Understand that seaplane instructors will be pilot in command (PIC) during the instructional phase of the training. (Accidents/incidents will not be tolerated).

4.      Interested individuals shall apply in writing to their unit Commander.  They will schedule an interview with the Wing Commander prior to any floatplane instruction in CAP corporate floatplane.

5.      There shall be no deviation from this policy without the prior written permission of the Wing Commander.

6.      However, the Alaska Wing Commander may grant a waiver for any of the above requirements on an individual basis provided the request is initiated by the requestor’s unit commander.

CARL L BROWN, JR, Colonel, CAP

Commander