NEW 2012 CESSNA 182 USAGE REPORT

Cessna 182 in its new hangar

The members of Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188 wish to thank California Wing (CAWG) for the generous opportunity to utilize a 2012 Cessna 182 with the G1000 cockpit. This report summarizes how Squadron 188 used this time and aircraft to train its pilots, promote CAP and fulfill its three primary missions.

Since the Cessna 182 was assigned to Squadron 188 and until the end of September, the Cessna 182 has flown 160 hours. The hours flown by the Cessna 182 in those six months is 74% higher than the California average, which is 91.85 hours calculated for the time period April - September 2013. This Cessna 182 is the fourth most flown CAP airplane within CAWG, and is within ten hours of the top three aircraft with the most hours flown.

G1000 for Mission Observers Course

Squadron 188 also organized a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) weekend specifically for Mission Observers to learn the G1000. This exercise and a number of others that the Cessna 182 has attended resulted in three new qualified mission observers for 13 total qualified mission observers, the second highest per squadron in CAWG. Our members have also flown the aircraft to numerous other SAREXs around California, and participated in the Evaluated Exercise. These missions, which included the Cessna 182, are key to encouraging members of Squadron 188 and other nearby squadrons to participate and earn or renew ES ratings. Their participation helps CAP members maintain proficiency in the various ES ratings required to support these missions, thus benefiting Group 2 and CAWG.

One of 300 young people introduced to CAP

In 2013, the Cessna 182 was flown to three air shows by members of Squadron 188 and used as a recruiting tool for the Squadron, as well as various Group 2 squadrons. The aircraft is a popular draw for the young and old, raised awareness among the general public, and played an important role in recruiting new members. An estimated 300 young people were introduced to the the Cessna 182 cockpit and gained a better understanding of CAP and aerospace education.

The Cessna 182 and Squadron 188 aircrew members played a key role in a real world mission when they were called to transport tissue from SoCal up to the Bay Area. This mission resulted in three life-saving awards for the crew members. The aircraft was also credited with two non-distress finds and flew a number of CD and WADS missions.

Instructor Pilot 1st Lt George Michelogiannakis

Squadron 188 hosted two G1000 ground school seminars to help pilots transition to the glass panel platform. The result of the seminars, and readily available aircraft is that Squadron 188 now has six pilots qualified to fly the G1000 and seven others queued up for Form 5 checkrides. Squadron 188 has organized those trainees by matching them with instructors in order to expedite the training process, and we are proud to have six new CAP G1000 pilots, as well as a G1000 instructor, who will increase our capacity for training.

Oakland Hangar

In January 2013, Squadron 188 negotiated with the Port of Oakland for the lease of a large hangar on the North Field. Squadron 188 members volunteered many hours over four months painting and fixing up the hangar. The hangar not only shelters the plane from the elements, it also serves as a recruiting tool and a classroom. Members often practice their G1000 skills in the hangar with the aid of an APU.

Thank you CAWG for entrusting Squadron 188 with the newest Cessna 182.