"Training" How to Join USCG Aviation if you are a current USCG AUX Member: #1 Contact the FSO-OP in your local Flotilla or SO-AV. #2 Take open book online Observer Test for "Trainer Observer." #3 Sign up on NETSKEDS to register for swim test and orientation training. #4 Contact pilots and sign up for ride along time to complete your check rides to be certified as an Observer. http://diraux.cgaux1sr.org/AuxAir/D1SRINST-Av-Mission-Assignment.pdf

These steps are very simple and you will be flying sooner than you think!

Once that is accomplished you will continue with your training to be Aircrew Qualified. Upon completion of your Aircrew Training, you will be authorized to wear USCG Auxiliary Aircrew Flight wings on your uniform. This is truly an honor!

http://www.auxetrain.org/eaviation.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mission Statement"

US COAST GUARD AUXILIARY AVIATION MISSION STATEMENT

Coast Guard Auxiliary air support is an extremely valuable force multiplier for many US Coast Guard missions. Auxiliary aviation aircrews are dedicated volunteers who are sworn into the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. These men and women who come from many different career fields and occupations donate their personal time and their aircraft to assist the Coast Guard. They are trained and qualified as Auxiliary aviators and observers, and fly in support of Coast Guard missions, such as: · Search and Rescue (SAR) · Homeland Security Marine Domain Awareness (MDA) missions · Logistics transport, both passenger and equipment · Area familiarization flights and photographic missions · Ice patrols · Training missions · Marine safety and environmental support patrols · Miscellaneous patrols and support missions

Auxiliary aviation personnel are comprised of FAA licensed pilots and other aviation-oriented personnel who are trained as aviation observers. Many of these pilots own their own aircraft that they offer for service in the program. These aircraft, once accepted into the program, are insured and reimbursed for fuel and maintenance while under official Coast Guard orders. All personnel receive special training in observations of activities at sea and Auxiliary aviation operations including: * Vessel types and operations * Search and Rescue * Marine mammals * Marine environmental operations including Oil and pollution spills * Ice operations * Aids to navigation

A wide variety of aviation experience levels and ratings exist in the Auxiliary and provide depth and breadth to the program. Training of pilots and aircrews is a continuous process, covering all aspects of safe and productive mission activities. The training encompasses various workshops, seminars, egress and survival qualification sessions, SAR check rides, and various Coast Guard familiarization activities. These may include flights in Coast Guard helicopters, Falcon jets, and C-130 Hercules aircraft. There are initial and recurrent USCG and FAA currency and qualification requirements that are maintained through coordination within the Auxiliary District.

Aircraft accepted into the program are approved US Coast Guard facilities and are subject to yearly FAA and USCG Auxiliary inspections. They carry appropriate survival and communications gear, including PFDs and associated water survival gear, marine VHF radios, life rafts and 406 MHz EPIRBS for offshore operations.

In the First Southern Region (New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Vermont) a variety of standard and high-performance single engine aircraft are represented. Various twin-engine aircraft complement the fleet and provide all weather mission capability.

The goal of all air operations in the USCG Auxiliary is to achieve and maintain the highest possible level of safety, through the continuous process of training, qualifications, and inspections described above. While final decisions during operations are the responsibility of the Pilot in Command (PIC), the Auxiliary places great emphasis on Airline/Military Style Crew Resource Management practices (CRM). This provides a structure for continuous interaction by all crewmembers. They work as a team in mission planning, assignment of duties and backups for critical operations, and to incorporate checks and balances in decision-making. This is especially valuable when the mission parameters change (e.g., an urgent SAR requirement, extension of offshore operations, or significant weather changes).

USCG AUX pilots are required by policy to use conservative minimums and practices, allowing significant margin over the absolute minimums permitted for normal operations. USCG guidelines require two qualified pilots for flights conducted under night and poor weather (IFR) conditions.

Details of missions: * Logistics/Transport provides cost efficient transportation of Coast Guard personnel and/or equipment between any locations served by airports. The destination may be Military air bases, major airports, or airports served only by General Aviation * Area Familiarization Flights enable USCG personnel (surface or air) to view local areas from the aircraft to assess surface features commonly used commercial boating channels and associated Aids to Navigation (ATONs), likely sources of pollution, and recreational and commercial boat concentrations. * Ice Patrols are conducted to identify and report ice conditions and formations on important navigation channels * Search and Rescue Missions are conducted by pilots and aircrews specially trained in search techniques to locate personnel and vessels in the water. * Safety Patrols are sweeps of the coastal areas to survey areas for people or boats possibly in distress before. These are generally conducted from Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends and holidays when recreational boating is at its peak.

The Auxiliary Air operation works under the direct supervision of Air Station Cape Cod located at Otis Air Force Base, Falmouth, Massachusetts. Missions are conducted in support of all Coast Guard Activities and Groups within the District. The District Staff Officer for Aviation (DSO-AV) heads the Auxiliary aviation organization in the First Southern District. Several Assistant District Staff Officers (ADSOs) provide support and are responsible for planning, scheduling, training, safety, crew qualifications, mission record keeping, and supplies.

DSO-AV -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HUDSON RIVER AVIATION PATROL DESCRIPTIONS:
http://www.netskeds.us/Safety_ACTNY.html http://www.netskeds.us/MDA_UPPER_ACTNY.html http://www.netskeds.us/ICE_PATROL_HUDSON.html -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSION PHOTO'S http://www.netskeds.us/LinkPhotoAlbum.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIST OF AVIATION VENDORS WHO SUPPLY DISCOUNTS TO AUX MEMBERS http://www.netskeds.us/Vendors.html