The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the Official Civilian Auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
If you are not in the Northern Virginia area and want to learn more about the Civil Air Patrol, visit the  National Headquarters Website.
CAP is a volunteer, nonprofit, benevolent organization made up of aviation minded adult and cadet members committed to serving the nation.
The Leesburg Composite Squadron is comprised of Cadets (11 to 21 years old) and Senior Members (18 and older). We are composed of 43 cadets and 58 senior members. We have been growing at a rate of 30% a year and are fast becoming one of the largest squadrons in Virginia. Our mission is to provide Search & Rescue, Disaster relief, Drug reduction, Aerospace Education and homeland security support. Members of the Leesburg Squadron are comprised citizens from all occupations including local fire fighters, police officers, lawyers, journalists, airline pilots, former and active military personnel, and local citizen volunteers who believe in helping their community.
Meetings take place at the Leesburg National Guard Armory, located across from the Leesburg Airport at Sycolin Road and Loudoun Center Place.
The Senior Members (Adults) meet twice a month on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and end around 9:00 p.m.
Cadet meetings are every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. also at the Leesburg National Guard Armory.
The squadron operates either a Cessna 182 or a Cessna 172 depending on our rotation. Leesburg CAP has a hanger (15S) at Leesburg Airport (JYO) where we keep the aircraft and operate our mission base and/or communication base when Leesburg is the focal point for a search and rescue mission.
CAP has three congressionally mandated missions:
Emergency Services
Emergency Services is CAP's best known activity. It includes air and ground search, local disaster relief, and cooperation with and assistance to other emergency services agencies. Squadron members are actively involved in various types of Emergency Services functions. Missing aircraft and ELT Search and Rescue (SAR), disaster relief (DR), personnel transport, dog transport, and counter-narcotics (CN) search missions make up the biggest part of the emergency services missions. Out of all of these functions, search and rescue takes up the most time and personnel. The Virginia Wing depends on its volunteers to handle these efforts. Most of these SAR missions are aviation related. The adult and cadet volunteers interested in participating in the Emergency Services Mission are thoroughly trained and experienced as aircrews, ground teams, air and ground operations coordinators, communicators, mission base staff, and incident commanders. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) based at Langley AFB, Virginia is responsible for the coordination of air search and rescue in the continental United States. CAP members fly more than 80% of the hours flown on emergency services missions directed by the AFRCC. Emergency Services-rated personnel are "on call" 24 hours a day.
For more information about the Civil Air Patrol Emergency Services Program, visit the National Headquarters Emergency Services Website.
Cadet Leadership Program
The cadet leadership program is an excellent opportunity for young people to pursue their goals and interests. The primary goals of the cadet program include;
- Moral Leadership Education
- Military Customs/Courtesy/Drill Training
- Aerospace Education
- Physical Fitness
- An excellent opportunity to meet and participate with kids their own age who have similar interests.
Cadet Program Frequently Asked Question
For more information about the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, visit the National Headquarters Cadet Programs Website.
Aerospace Education
Aerospace Education teaches about aviation in all forms. Whether discussing the aerodynamics of aircraft lift and thrust to the Wright Brothers or the NASA Shuttle Missions, cadets as well as senior members (adults) learn about various aspects of aviation. Cadets also participate in orientation flights flown by trained CAP pilots in general aviation aircraft.
For more information about the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Program, visit the National Headquarters Aerospace Education Website.
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