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Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol 

Mission Observer Proficiency Program 

                             
 

HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON WING

CIVIL AIR PATROL

McCHORD AFB, WASHINGTON 
 
 
 
 
 

Mission Observer Proficiency Program 

Welcome to the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol Mission Observer Proficiency Program.  This unit level course is designed to assist you, the CAP Mission Observer in maintaining your valuable flight skills.  This course was designed after taking into account many different opinions from you the CAP Mission Observer in the field at the Squadron Level.  In a recent survey all respondents agreed on the need for greater proficiency.  This course is a direct result of your feedback to wing HQ and reflects the need for a standardized training with in the wing.  Civil Air Patrol Aircrew must have standardized knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform their duties aboard CAP aircraft.  This is especially true while conducting operations in mountainous terrain here in the Pacific Northwest.  As a Mission Observer, you are vital not only to the success of the aircrew on a specific sortie, but to the success of the mission.  This is a responsibility to be taken seriously.  It is your Aeronautical Rating, own it, your life and the lives of others depend on it.

Course Participation

1. Enrollment in the Mission Observer Proficiency Course is voluntary.  Completing the course is not required to maintain your rating. 
2. Although intended for non-pilot Mission Observers the program is open to any currently qualified Mission Observer in the wing.  It is not open to trainee’s.

Course Completion Standards

 

1. Satisfactory completion of the course workbook.  The workbook must be completed and mailed to WA Wing HQ attn: DOV-O. 
2. Satisfactory completion of the WAWGForm91AC Checkride as administered by a WA Wing Check Observer or Mission Check Pilot.  A copy of the completed WAWGForm91AC must be mailed to WA Wing HQ attn: DOV-O

 

Mission Observers completing the above will receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by the wing CC recognizing their proficiency.  

Program Overview

The program has four phases – Participation is voluntary, completion is at individual pace.  *Note: There is no start or stop time.  This is a self paced unit level program.

Phase I: Mission Observer Refresher Power Point slide show  

Phase II: Course Workbook and Self Study – Completed at own pace. 

Phase III: Flight Training – Suggested Sortie profiles are included.  The sorties are designed to prepare the Mission Observer who has not flown regain their proficiency in the cockpit.  Mission Observers may fly the sorties that cover the areas that they feel they need work on.  The sorties are in a suggested order but may be flown in any order desired.  Not all of the sorties have to be flown.    

Phase IV: Optional Proficiency Checkride consisting of the WAWGForm91AirCrew. This checkride may be taken at anytime during the program.  Phase III is not required to take the checkride, although completion of the flights will adequately prepare a Mission Observer for the checkride.  The checkride must be administered by either a Wing Check Observer or a Wing Mission Check Pilot.   

Standards of Completion: This is a voluntary program, which Mission Observers may

start and finish at their own pace.  Successfully passing the checkride and completing the

workbook demonstrates a high level of both mission proficiency and mission readiness.

It also demonstrates an uncommon dedication to the WA Wing Mission Aircrew

Program.  Members who complete the workbook and pass the checkride will receive a

Certificate of Achievement signed by the wing commander. 

If a Mission Observer fails the checkride they lose nothing, but will leave with a greater

understanding of areas that they can focus their future individual study as a Mission

Observer.  The checkride may be taken again at a later time.  A minimum of one week

must elapse between checkrides.  If a Mission Observer passes the checkride they will

not only gain the Certificate of Achievement but more importantly they will have

confidence in their own skills in the cockpit as part of a CAP Flight crew. 

Mission Observers may elect not to take the checkride and still use the program to focus

their personal study to improve cockpit proficiency. 

Mission Observers who elect to do the entire program and successfully complete the

proficiency program should mail the completed workbook and a copy of the

WAWGForm91AC signed and endorsed by Check Observer or Mission Check Pilot

(whomever administered the checkride) as well as the Mission Pilot.  Packets should be

mailed to:

HQ WA Wing Civil Air Patrol

Attn: Stan/Eval (Non-Pilots)

PO Box 4459

McChord AFB, WA 98438

Table Of Contents

 

Chapter I Recommended Equipment for the Mission Observer

Chapter II Suggested additional publications for Mission Observer Self Study

Chapter III  Mission Observer Proficiency Program Workbook

Chapter IV Mission Observer Proficiency Program Flight Profiles 

Attachment 1: Sample WAWGForm91AC

Attachment 2: Training Aids

Attachment 3: Sample Certificate of Achievement 

Chapter I 

Recommended Equipment of the Mission Observer 

The following is a list of equipment that is highly recommended that the Mission Observer own:

• Nomex Flight Suit
• Headset
• Knee board
• Gridded Seattle Sectional
• Current Airport Facilities Directory
• Nomex Gloves
• Leather flying boots
• Flashlight
• WA State Gazetteer
• Gridded State Highway map
• Plotter either Fixed or Rotating (the key is that you understand how you use it)
• E6B flight computer

 

The following is a list of equipment that is suggested that the Mission Observer consider procuring:

• Gridded Seattle Terminal Area Chart (TAC)
• Headset case
• Survival Vest stocked with water/shelter/and limited food sources
• Current Seattle Sectional (if your gridded sectional is out of date)
• Winter flight suit (we do most of our searches in the Cascades – dress to egress)
• USAF Style Flight crew checklist book – tabbed with all checklists and navigation logs inserted
• Flight Bag to keep your “kit” in at your house so you can “grab it and go”
• 2^nd Flashlight
• 3^rd Flashlight
• Klamath Falls Sectional with northern half of chart gridded (during 2004, three separate missions by WA Wing Aircrews were flown in Oregon.  Two of the three required the use of the Klamath Falls Sectional)
• Sun Glasses
• Sick sacks x 2 (one for you and one for your buddy)
• Winter Flight Jacket

 
 

Chapter II 

Suggested additional publications and areas for Mission Observer Self Study 

Suggested Personal Library

• National Mission Aircrew Reference Textbook – Available online under the ES Training link at www.cap.gov
• Aircrew SQTR handbook – Available at the above link.
• WA Wing Mission Observer Prep Course – Available online at www.wawg.cap.gov or by emailing rjnesbit@aol.com
• WA Wing High-Bird Manual – Available online at www.wawg.cap.gov AC 61-23C Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Available at local FBO’s or online at www.faa.gov
• Current CAPR 60-1 Flight Management
• Current CAPR 60-3 Emergency Services
• Current CAPR 35-6 Award of Aeronautical Ratings

 

Suggested areas of Personal Study

• National Mission Aircrew Reference Text: Chapter 1-1 Observer Duties and Responsibilities; Chapter 6 Weather, Chapter 10 Electronic Search Patterns, Chapter 11 Visual Search Patterns, Chapter 14 Crew Resource Management
• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Chapter 6 Airport Operations, Chapter 8 Navigation
• Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 2 Aeronautical Lighting and Airport Visual Aids, Chapter 3 Airspace, Chapter 4-2-1 Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques, Chapter 6 Emergency Procedures, Pilot Controller Glossary

Chapter III

Mission Observer proficiency program workbook

Section I CAP Regulations CAPR 60-1, CAPR 60-3

            II Communication Phrases

            III Common Systems

            IV Navigation

            V National Aircrew Reference Text

            VI Airport Facilities Directory Tutorial and Flight Plan Quiz 

This course workbook is a review of areas of knowledge that are critical to your performance as a Mission Observer.  Read carefully all the listed reference material before each section.  Answers should be clear, concise, and legible.  NO credit will be given for answers that cannot be read.  Applicants must submit a completed workbook to wing HQ along with a copy of the WAWGForm91AC endorsed by the Mission Check Pilot or Check Observer to receive their Certificate of Achievement for completing the program.  *Note: Mission Observers may complete the program once each calendar year and earn their Proficiency Certificate each year.

Section I - CAP Regulations, CAPR 60-1, CAPR 60-3

 

This section involves a review of CAPR 60-1 & CAPR 60-3. Answer each question and indicate the page and paragraph where the information was found.

Page  Para

1.) CAPR 60-1 prescribes responsibility for compliance for which CAP personnel? 
 

_____________________________________________________________

Page  Para

2.) What is a CAP aircraft? 

Page  Para

3.) What is a CAP Corporate aircraft? 

Page  Para

4.) What is the definition of a CAP Pilot?

________________________________________________________________________ 
 

Page  Para

5.) What are the crew duty day limitations?____________________________________ 

Page   Para

6.) The term ELT stands for what?__________________________________________

Page  Para

7.) The individual CAP members participating in operational missions are responsible for what?_______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Page  Para

8.) The 911T missions allow a commander to do what?___________________________

Page  Para

9.) CAP Aircrews are covered under workers compensation insurance under what conditions?___________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________

Page  Para

10.) What are five things you as an Aircrew member can do to reduce fatigue?

      A______________________________________________________________

      B______________________________________________________________

      C______________________________________________________________

      D______________________________________________________________

      E______________________________________________________________

Page  Para

11.) What is a SAVE and what is the criteria for being awarded one?_________________ 

____________________________________________________________________

Page  Para

12.) What is a FIND and what is the criteria for being awarded one?_________________ 
 
 

Page  Para

13.) Are aircrew members allowed to use Night Vision Devices & if so under what conditions?___________________________________________________________ 

Page  Para

14.)A Flight Crew is what?_______________________________________________ 

Page  Para

15.) A Crew Member is what?_____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________  
 
 

Section II – Communication and Phrases

This section involves a review of common phrases the aircrew member is expected to know.  Answer each question.

16.)List the phonetic alphabet

A=_______________B=_______________C=______________D=______________

E=_______________F=_______________G=______________H=______________

I=_______________J=________________K=______________L=______________

M=______________N=_______________O=______________P=______________

Q=______________R=_______________S=_______________T=______________

U=______________V=_______________W=______________X=_______________

Y=______________Z=________________

17.)What is a good FAA publication for the Mission Observer to obtain radio frequencies and other information about airports to assist the mission pilot? ________________________________________________________________________               Section III – Common Systems

This section involves a review of common systems in Washington Wing CAP. 

18.) All aircraft have navigation radios and communication radios, but what additional radio gear makes CAP Aircraft unique?________________________________________

19.) True or False.  A nomex flight suit, nomex gloves, and survival vest are highly recommended for all CAP Aircrew?___________________________________________

20.) What type of GPS’s are Washington Wing CAP Aircraft Equipped with?___________________________________________________________________

21.) What two types of DF Gear are Washington Wing CAP Aircraft Equipped with?__________________________________________________________________

22.) What are the types of search aircraft that make up the fleet in Washington Wing CAP?___________________________________________________________________Section IV – Navigation

This section involves an overview of navigation and definitions of navigational terms. 

23.) How many degrees of Latitude are there?__________________________________

24.) How many degrees of Longitude are there?________________________________

25.) What is the definition of pilotage?_______________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

26.) What is the definition of dead reckoning?__________________________________ 

27.) What is a plotter?(no, its not a disgruntled CAP member) ________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________

28.) What is an E6B?______________________________________________________

29.) Distance on an aeronautical sectional is measured in statute miles or nautical miles?___ 
 
 

Section V – National Aircrew Reference Textbook

Page

30.) In addition to Scanning, what are the ten responsibilities of a Mission Observer?

A.) _________________________________________________________

B.) _________________________________________________________

C.) _________________________________________________________

D.) _________________________________________________________

E.) _________________________________________________________

F.) _________________________________________________________

G.) _________________________________________________________

H.) _________________________________________________________

I.) _________________________________________________________

J.) _________________________________________________________

Page

31.) List the six mission events that the aircrew must report as a minimum:

A.) _________________________________________________________

B.) _________________________________________________________

C.) _________________________________________________________

D.) _________________________________________________________

E.) _________________________________________________________

F.) _________________________________________________________

Page

32.) Name and describe the five standard CAP visual search patterns.

a.) _________________________________________________________

b.) _________________________________________________________

c.) _________________________________________________________

d.) _________________________________________________________

e.) _________________________________________________________

Page

33.) Define search track.

____________________________________________________________________

Page

34.) Name three types of electronic search techniques.

A.) _________________________________________________________

B.) _________________________________________________________

C.) _________________________________________________________

Page

35.) In a parallel track search, the first search track is at a distance equal to _______track spacing from the border of the grid.

36.) As the Mission Observer, you see another aircraft approximately 500 feet below your flight level and two miles directly out your right window.  You inform the crew that you sighted an aircraft at your  ______ o’clock.

37.) What is the most important survival tool for downed aircrew?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ 

Section VI – Airport Facilities Directory

Self Paced Tutorial/Quiz 

Introduction 

• Review the legend – check back side for page
• Review the notices – check back side for page
• Review airport diagrams – check backside for page
• Review WA airports – check backside for page

 

Legend Quiz 

1. In the legend what is # 21?
2. In the legend what is # 24?
3. In the legend what is # 18?
4. In the legend what is # 1?
5. In the legend what is # 2?
6. In the legend what is # 9?
7. In the legend what is # 14?

 

WA Airport Quiz 

1. What is tower freq for Bellingham Int?
2. What is the three letter Identifier for Wenatchee?
3. What is the CTAF freq for Vashon Muni?
4. What is the VOR freq for Olympia?

 

Flight Plan Quiz 

You are the Mission Observer in a C182 flying with a three person crew from your mission base at Bellingham to Grid 46C and back to Bellingham.

1. What radio freqs do you need?  What radio aids to navigation freqs are needed?
2. What will your route of flight be?
3. What hazards will you need to consider?
4. What is the current weather?  (*Note: Dial 1-800-WX-BRIEF, press 2 when you hear the recording.  Press 11 for weather in Western WA.  Press 12 for weather in Eastern WA)
5. What will your initial magnetic heading from Bellingham be? (*Note: Assume you will take off to the South)
6. How long will it take you to get from Bellingham to Grid46C?  (*Note: Assume you are flying at 110kts IAS in a no wind condition)

 
 

Extra Credit 

1. On the cover page of this booklet there are two ribbons depicted below the Observer wings.  What are they and how do you earn them?________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What do the propeller devices on the ribbons indicate?____________________________  ________________________________________________________________________

 
 

Chapter IV

Mission Observer Proficiency Program Flight Training

The most critical piece of proficiency is hands on flight experience.  These proficiency flights are designed to assist the Mission Observer in maintaining their proficiency.   The following flight profiles may be flown in any order, or omitted if the Mission Observer feels they are proficient in one area.  The amounts of time listed under the “Hours” column are suggested lengths of time needed to cover the subjects.   

      Flight   Type    Hours

• Cockpit Refresher: (It is recommended to do this on the ramp without flying as needed)
• CAP Pilot or experienced Mission Observer re-orients Mission Observer to mission equipment (DF, GPS, VOR, ADF, DME, Comm. Panel, )

 

• Flight #1 GPS Flight:     1.0
• Program Direct to Airport/VOR
• Program user waypoint
• Utilize SAR Map Page
• Utilize SAR Waypoints
• Program Search patterns

 

• Flight #2 VOR/ADF/DME Flight:   1.0
• Tune/ID Nav-aid
• Position determination via Nav-aid
• Homing/Tracking
• VOR Creeping Line Techniques
• *Note: Do not use GPS for this flight

 

• Flight #3 Practice ELT Flight: (Day or Night)  1.0
• DF – L-Tronics or Becker
• Wing Null

 

• Flight #4 Visual Search Pattern Flight:                1.0
• ID Grid Boundary’s Visually
• Parallel Line Pattern
• Point Searches
• Expanding Square or
• Sector
• Contour Search Pattern
• *Note: Flight crew does not have to fly complete patterns.  Only enough of each pattern to re-familiarize the Mission Observer with how the search patterns are flown, monitored and tracked.  Only search patterns needing to be worked for currency or re-familiarization are to be flown.  This is at Mission Observer discretion.

 

• Flight #5WAWGForm91AC Checkride                              Normally takes 1.5 hours

 

*Note: Mission Observers who complete the workbook and the checkride will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the wing commander acknowledging their accomplishment.  The checkride may be challenged at anytime during the program.  The Mission Observer does not have to fly all of the proficiency sorties to take the checkride.  You may fly any or all of the proficiency sorties at your discretion.  A wing Check Observer or a Wing Mission Pilot Check Pilot may administer the checkride.  The checkride or the proficiency sorties may be conducted as a part of a SAREX or as an outside sortie under a B12 or C17 mission number. 

WAWG FORM91AC MISSION AIRCREW CHECKOUT (Mission Proficiency Checkride)

 

Instructions for Completing the Checkride 

The Check Observer will announce to the applicant that the Checkride is beginning.  Once started the Checkride may not be stopped and started later.  All tasks must receive a “S”, “U”, or “V.”   If any tasks receive a “U” it indicates failure to meet standards and results in an unsatisfactory Checkride.  Retraining may occur and the checkride retaken at a later date.  The original F91AC will be given to the applicant and a copy forwarded to wing HQ to the DOV-O (Standardization Evaluation-for non-pilots). 

Areas to Improve

 

Strengths

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Training Aids for the Mission Observer