Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

CAP sUAS Capabilities

• Aerial Search & Rescue (SAR)

  • Remote Aerial Imaging (search patterns or ad-hoc)

  • Infrared & Thermal Imaging (FLIR) for locating missing persons\vehicles

  • Aerial Radio Direction Finding (Frequency/Mode Agile)

• Disaster Recovery

  • Orthophotomosaic Imaging of both large and small-scale image mapping (6-centimeter resolution)

  • Infrared & Thermal Imaging (FLIR) for locating victims

  • 3D debris/event modeling

  • Critical infrastructure assessment

• Homeland Security

  • Counter sUAS

Cadets can also participate in this program!

Cadets of any age can perform as sUAS Technicians (Visual Observers) and at 16 they can perform as a Mission Pilot with Part 107 and CAP sUASMP Quals. Already well versed in the model/computer gaming world and very computer literate cadets have repeatedly been the Distinguished Grad at UAS Course in NESA.

Want to fly a CAP sUAS? 

Any Civil Air Patrol member who flies a CAP-issued small Unmanned Aerial System recreationally is now required by the Federal Aviation Administration to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). This applies to all outdoor sUAS STEM Kits (Quadcopter, RC Aircraft and VTOL). 

The test is free and can be taken online through the Academy of Model Aeronautics website by clicking the orange start button on the TRUST page.  CAP's aerospace education team strongly suggests all members flying sUASes, whether indoor or outdoor, to take the TRUST. 

After completing the course and receiving your completion certificate, you must upload a copy to eServices. You must have your completion certificate on hand when flying an sUAS.

To do this, follow the steps below: 

1. Click on www.capnhq.gov/CAP.OPSQuals.Web/Pilot/WhatDoINeed.aspx to log into eServices. 

2. Type in your CAPID, then click the magnifying glass to pull up your profile. 

3. Click “View/Upload Documents.”.

4. A new window will pop up; make sure you are in the “Pilot” tab. 

5. For “What would you like to upload?”, select Other.

6. For “File Name” identify the document as “Trust Certificate.”

7. For “Aircraft Type” leave as is. 

8. Click “Choose File” and add your saved completion certificate. 

9. Select “Upload Pilot Files.” You should see your document appear at the bottom under “Documents Uploaded” along with the date.

Now your recreational UAS pilot qualification can be checked and documented. More information regarding the new guidelines can be found on the FAA website.

CAP sUAS Training Material

    - Intro to CAP sUAS

    - sUas Safe Fly Areas

SQTRs and Task Guides

    - sUAS Mission Pilot SQTR (UASMP)

    - sUAS Technician SQTR (UAST)

    - sUAS Task Guide

Mission Pilot Preparation 

    - CAP Part 107 Training_2018

    - CAP RPV MissionTraining_Basic_2019_a
              (disregard slides about specific drone equipment, MSWG uses different equipment)

CAP sUAS Regulations, Pamphlets, Manuals, and Forms

    - CAPR 70-1U, CAP sUAS Flight Management

    - CAPR 60-3, CAP Emergency Services Training and Operational Missions (sUAS Addition)

    - CAPP 70-1U, UAS Interagency Operations Guidelines

    - CAP sUAS Checklists

    - CAPF 5U, sUAS Flight Evaluation

    - CAPF 91U, sUAS Mission Pilot Flight Evaluation

    - CAPF 5Q-U, sUAS Questionnaire

    - CAPF 109U, Sortie Flight Log

    - CAP sUAS ORM Form