Civil Air Patrol A/C

The Civil Air Patrol Aircraft (CAPAC0) program is a dedicated line item in the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement budget, specifically supporting the procurement and sustainment of aircraft for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). As the official Auxiliary of the Air Force, CAP operates as a Congressionally chartered non-profit corporation, providing essential aviation resources for a variety of emergency and non-emergency missions. The program's primary objective is to ensure CAP maintains a mission-ready fleet capable of supporting Department of Defense (DoD), federal, state, and local government requests, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These missions include search and rescue, disaster relief, homeland security, and public service activities.

The goals of the CAPAC0 program center on the procurement of fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft to sustain CAP's operational capacity. Funding in FY26 is allocated for acquiring aircraft equipped with advanced mission equipment, such as satellite digital imaging systems, automatic direction finders, emergency locator transmitters, FM radios, camera port windows, ground power units, and other specialized gear. This equipment enables CAP to effectively conduct aerial reconnaissance, communications support, and imaging for emergency response and other public service missions. The types of aircraft procured typically include Cessna-172, Cessna-182, Cessna-206, and glider aircraft, selected based on mission requirements, market availability, and budgetary considerations.

One of the program's key objectives is to maintain a minimum fleet size of 541 aircraft, as reported by the Secretary of the Air Force to the Senate Armed Services Committee. This fleet size is necessary to meet the evolving demands of CAP's diverse mission portfolio. The average age of CAP's aircraft fleet is over 21 years, and the useful life of each aircraft is estimated at 36 years. To sustain fleet readiness and cost efficiency, the program identifies a requirement to procure 15 aircraft annually, which would allow CAP to benefit from a bulk buy rate resulting in cost savings. However, the current baseline only supports the procurement of four aircraft per year, which presents challenges in meeting long-term fleet sustainment goals.

Maintenance and sustainment are integral components of the Civil Air Patrol Aircraft program. Each aircraft incurs an average annual maintenance cost, with total fleet maintenance representing a significant recurring expense. Aircraft undergo routine maintenance schedules but do not receive depot-level rebuilds, emphasizing the need for regular replacement and modernization of aging assets. The program does not include initial spares costs, and weapon system unit costs are not applicable, as CAP aircraft are non-combat mission support assets.

The procurement process for CAP aircraft is governed by federal regulations, specifically 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) and the Department of Defense Grant & Agreement Regulations. Unlike standard Air Force central procurement processes, CAP follows its own set of standards to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability in the acquisition of mission support aircraft. This approach allows CAP to adapt procurement strategies to market conditions and evolving mission needs.

Justification for continued investment in the CAPAC0 program is based on CAP's unique role in supporting national, state, and local emergency response, aviation education, and community service. By providing modern, mission-equipped aircraft, the program enables CAP to fulfill its statutory purpose under Title 10 and Title 36 of the U.S. Code: encouraging citizen participation in aviation, supporting air supremacy, and contributing to public welfare. The program also fosters aviation education and training, helping to develop future generations of aviators and supporting civil aviation in local communities.