LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Two members of the La Crosse Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol may not be able to “touch the face of God,” as the poem goes, but they are flying high as the first two CAP search and rescue crone pilots in the state.
Capt. Roxanne Munns and First Lt. Scott Munns now are qualified to use drones during search missions and disaster relief activities.
Their training required many hours of study and practice to master the techniques of flying drones and how to deploy them to support search efforts and disaster relief operations. The Civil Air Patrol has begun using drones only within the past few years.
“CAP has always provided state and local emergency managers with low-cost aerial search through our fixed-wing aircraft, and this is just another way we can continue to serve and help our local communities,” said Maj. Linda Zimmerman, commander of the squadron.
The Munnses had to demonstrate that they can fly assigned missions to be certified as advanced drone pilots.
The local squadron has a goal of having five trained drone search operators and acquiring drones for use in search and rescue. CAP’s national headquarters provides drones once enough pilots are trained, but units also can buy drones with donated funds.
Anyone 16 or older can train to be a drone search pilot, and youths as young as 14 can train to prepare and repair drones, working in tandem with pilots. The squadron plans to connect with local emergency management departments, fire departments and law enforcement in case their drone talents are needed.
The Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performing about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions.
CAP’s more than 65,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center credits the CAP with saving more than 80 lives a year.
The CAP also plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education. Its members mentor nearly 28,000 young people in CAP’s cadet programs.
The La Crosse Composite Squadron usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at the CAP Center at 2906 Fanta Reed Road on the east side of the La Crosse Regional Airport. However, the squadron has suspended meetings because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Prospective cadets ages 12-18 and their parents are always welcome. Adults who would like to volunteer also are welcome. For more information e-mail tmandel@cap.gov or call Maj. Todd Mandel at (608) 633-1496. Information also is available on the unit’s website at or its Facebook page.
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November 25, 2020 at 07:58AM
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La Crosse Civil Air Patrol boasts first two CAP search and rescue drone pilots in state - News8000.com - WKBT
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