WASHINGTON -- NASA will showcase the next generation of spacecraft that will return humans to the moon in a day-long public event March 30 on the National Mall in Washington. The full-size mockup of the Orion crew exploration vehicle will be parked on the Mall between 4th and 7th Streets, SW, in front of the National Air and Space Museum. Reporters are invited to attend a briefing by the vehicle at 10 a.m. EDT.

The spacecraft mockup is on its way from water testing at the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division in Bethesda to open water testing in the Atlantic off the coast of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The goal of the operation, dubbed the Post-landing Orion Recovery Test, or PORT, is to determine what kind of motions the astronaut crew can expect after landing, as well as conditions outside for the recovery team.

NASA engineers and personnel will be available all day at the National Mall event to answer questions about the Orion crew module and the Constellation program.

Orion is targeted to begin carrying humans to the International Space Station in 2015 and to the moon in 2020. Along with the Ares I and Ares V rockets and the Altair lunar lander, it is part of the Constellation Program that is developing the country's next capability for human exploration of the moon and further destinations in the solar system.

For more information about the Orion crew capsule, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orion

For information about the Constellation Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/constellation

We would like to congratulate the following cadets for their hard work, dedication, and participation in the 2009 PAWG Color Guard Compeition held this past weekend on Saturday, March 21st. The Nittany Composite Squadron was the winner of this year's PAWG competition.

C/TSgt Knisely - accredited with the top Leadership test score

C/MSgt Musser - beat her personal mile run time by an incredible amount

C/CMSgt Piper - accredited with the top Mile Run time

C./SMSgt Weaver - answered WWI questions that no one else could answer during the Panel quiz

Winning this year's PAWG competition means that they are slated to head to Westover AFB in Chicopee, Massachusetts for the NER Color Guard Competition over Memorial Day weekend. This event will be much larger and take 2 full days to complete. This is the first time the Nittany Composite Squadron has participated in this event and we wish all the cadets the best of luck in Massachusetts.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS CIVIL AIR PATROL
CAP REGULATION 35-1
18 MARCH 2009
Personnel Procedures

ASSIGNMENT AND DUTY STATUS

This regulation prescribes policy and procedures for the assignment of senior members as well as which member types are eligible for duty assignment. It also prescribes policy and procedures for suspended status which applies to both cadets and senior members. Note: Shaded areas identify new or revised material.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES.
This revision updates the duty assignment process to utilize the online system, requires NHQ CAP/DP be notified of all membership suspensions; establishes new procedures for extending membership suspensions; and clarifies what membership types are eligible for duty assignments and the requirement to certify that all records, property and assets of the duty position are properly accounted for.


Download your copy here: members.gocivilairpatrol.com

Due to restrictions at Fort Indiantown Gap (FIG), we have had to move the Commanders Call Scheduled for Saturday April 18, 2009 to the following Saturday April 25, 2009.

The date for this Commanders Call is selected to co-inside with the Cadet Wing Conference, also the Training Leaders of Cadets (TLC) course and an inspection of all corporate owned vehicles (COV).

The Cadet Wing Conference registration will start at 08:00 and the Conference will begin at 09:00.

The TLC course will begin at 08:00 on Saturday will conclude for the day in time to attend the cadet Dining-In. As this is a two day course the class will conclude on Sunday.

All Squadrons with COV’s will bring the COV to FIG for inspection Saturday April 25, 2009 there will be no exceptions. The COV’s must by at FIG by 10:00. Inspections will be conducted by the logistics staff during the Commanders Call and will be concluded by 1600 for those not staying for the banquet. As always all COV’s are expected to be in good working order and ready for inspection in accordance with CAPR 77-1 and CAPF 73.

The Commanders Call will be held in the same building (8-80) as the Cadet Wing Conference. We will start at 10:00 and conclude in time to attend the Cadet Dining-In. All Commanders or their representative are expected to attend but all members are welcome. The Cadet Conference will be charging a $25 Fee for both lunch and Dinner at the Dining-In. The Senior’s attending the Commanders Call are encouraged to support the cadet program by joining the Dining-In and registering for the Dining-In. pawgcadetprograms.webs.com

As you can see we have planned a full day, we have scheduled events to maximize participation. There is something for everyone. So load up the COV’s and bring as many members as possible. There are only Two Commanders Calls per year one in the fall at the Wing Conference and one in the spring at the Cadet Wing Conference. This is the perfect time to see where we are as an organization and where we are going. This will be an ideal time to give your input and ask questions.

I look forward to seeing each of you
At FIG for the Commanders Call


Mark A. Lee, Col, CAP
Commander, PAWG

One of the most frequently asked questions to unit commanders and ES officers is the correct procedure for submitting qualifications in eServices and getting approval at the appropriate level. Capt. Schlosser of the Wellsboro squadron has put together a flow chart to help units and members in submitting their SQTR's.

Step 1: Complete the SQTR and get the required signatures from your unit commander AND the appropriate mission staff. DO NOT USE the eServices generated SQTR. It is for REFERENCE ONLY. You must use the real form with the signature block located here: https://ntc.cap.af.mil/es/sqtrs/sqtrs.cfm

Step 2: Enter your tasks into eServices and email a scanned copy of the SQTR to the Group ESO.

Step 3: The unit commander or ESO will validate the tasks. Validation at the unit level is REQUIRED before the Group ESO will see the tasks in the Group submission queue. The unit files the members completed SQTR in the members CAPF 114 file.

Step 4: The Group ESO compares the the submitted SQTR against the eServices submissions and checks for proper completion, mission requirements, and trainer qualifications. If the training has been completed properly and signed off by a qualified trainer using a valid mission number, the tasks are approved and forwarded to Wing along with copies of the SQRT. If the submission fails validation, the SQTR's are returned to the member and validation is declined.

Step 5: Wing validates the submitted tasks and approves.

Step 6: Qualifications appear on the members 101 card.

Download the procedure and flow-chart in PDF form here: http://gp5.pawg.cap.gov/filemgmt/visit.php?lid=29

MEMORANDUM FOR: ALL NER PILOTS, MISSION OBSERVERS, MISSION SCANNERS, ES PERSONNEL (FLIGHTLINE), NER WING COMMANDERS
FROM: NER/CC

SUBJECT: Protecting Against and Reporting Corporate Aircraft Damage

1. Effective immediately, the procedures described in this policy letter will be implemented in Northeast Region, for the purpose of protecting our aviation assets and ensuring airworthiness.

2. All corporate aircraft will receive a walk around inspection following each flight activity. This includes periods between sorties if all crew members leave the aircraft for any reason.

3. CAP aircrew members (or a member of a crew) must remain with corporate aircraft while FBO line personnel provide servicing. This is especially applicable for fueling operations. Line personnel will use ladders instead of aircraft hand holds to fuel our high-wing aircraft. CAP personnel are responsible for ensuring that service providers show proper care for our corporate property.

4. No Pilot-In-Command of a CAP corporate aircraft will depart an airport with unreported aircraft damage caused by a third party. Prior to departure, CAP pilots must report damage caused by FBO line personnel to FBO management. In extreme cases, consider reporting CAP aircraft damage to airport operations management or local law enforcement officers. Realize that insurance companies may require police reports in some instances (for example, third party damage by another aircraft owner).

5. All corporate aircraft will receive a comprehensive walk around inspection prior to each flight activity. This is in addition to current requirements for pre-flight inspections, but may be incorporated into the same activity. Special attention should be given to detect any previously unreported damage, including (but not limited to) bird strikes, wing tip strikes, hard landings, scraped tails, and crazed/scratched windows. DO NOT FLY AN AIRCRAFT WITH PREVIOUSLY UNREPORTED DAMAGE.

6. Flight crews found in possession of a damaged aircraft may become liable for that damage. This is why we must all perform conscientious pre-flight and post-flight inspections. CAP crews must show due diligence and proper care for the expensive property entrusted to them. Failure to protect our aircraft could result in loss of flying privileges, or other disciplinary action, for those found derelict in their duty.

7. There is no excuse for failing to comply with these procedures. These inspections must be completed regardless of darkness, rain, cold, or other discomforts. This is simply the price we all must pay for being entrusted with aviation resources worth (potentially) hundreds of thousands of dollars.

8. Aircraft with damage (other than small scratches in paint) will be removed from service IAW CAPR 60-1. These events will be treated as mishaps (damage to property) and aircraft will only be returned to service when their airworthiness is assured.




//signed//
ROBERT DIDUCH, Colonel, CAP
Commander


Download the original PDF here: gp5.pawg.cap.gov

Group 5 will be hosting the Unit Commanders Course (UCC) on the campus of Penn State University the weekend of March 28-29. The Unit Commanders Course is designed for current or aspiring commanders and standardizes the training of squadron or group commanders across CAP. UCC discusses the traits and skills new unit commanders will need to develop to effectively manage their units. Topics include recruiting and retention, command responsibility and accountability, safety, how to work with families, management, leadership, communication, and elements of successful units and leaders.

Lodging will be available at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel at the discounted military rate, tax free, on a first come first served basis.

Senior officers who are interested in taking the course my apply by submitting a completed CAP Form 17 through channels to:

Headquarters, Group 5
PA Wing Civil Air Patrol
122 Jenjo Drive
Belllefonte PA 16823
ATTN: UCC

Registration deadline is March 20, 2009. Registration fee of $25 is required and will pay for all course materials and lunch, and coffee. Please bring your course fee in cash. This makes it easier to purchase lunch, etc.

If you desire lodging at the Penn Stater, contact Maj. Long to receive your unique CAP registration code for the discount.

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL PENNSYLVANIA WING PERSONNEL

FROM: Colonel Mark A. Lee, PAWG/CC

SUBJECT: PAWG POLICY LETTER 04-03
PROMOTIONS TO MAJOR AND LIEUTENANT COLONEL

1. The purpose of this memorandum is to inform all Pennsylvania Wing personnel of the standards regarding the promotion to the grade of Major and Lieutenant Colonel.

2. Promotion to any grade in Civil Air Patrol is not an entitlement and is reserved for those members meeting or exceeding all training criteria as well as performing their assignments to the highest standards.

3. The process for promotion starts with the recommendation of the respective command. This recommendation verifies training requirements and time in grade. Promotions are not automatic. It is the responsibility of each commander to ensure only members that uphold the highest standards of Civil Air Patrol are recognized for promotion.

4. Promotions to the grade of Major and Lieutenant Colonel are reserved for those members who exhibit, through example and deed, the highest levels of the dedication within the organization as well as mastery of their duties.

5. Promotions to Major will be reserved for Squadron CC, Group CC, Deputy Group CC, Assistant Wing Staff or members assigned to Wing ADY, primary Group staff and those eligible though special promotion outlined in various regulations.

6. Promotions to Lieutenant Colonel will be reserved for Wing Vice-Commander, Wing Chief of Staff, Group CC, and Primary Wing Staff officers. Outstanding Deputy Group CC’s will be considered on a case by case basis.

7. Prior Uniformed Services officers’ initial CAP grade will be handled in accordance with CAPR 35-5.

8. Each commander will recommend members in their unit for promotion. Commanders will ensure that only active members who meet or exceed the requirements for promotion are recommended.

9. The Wing Commander reserves the right to review individual cases on an as needed bases.

Mark A. Lee, Colonel, CAP
Commander PA Wing

Download the original PDF version of this policy here: http://gp5.pawg.cap.gov/filemgmt/index.php?id=27

In response to the recent Colgan Air Flight #3407 involving a Continental Airlines QHC-8-402 aircraft that ended tragically, I feel it is appropriate to share these links with all Pilots and CAP members alike. Although some aviation accidents are more tragic than others, I think it is crucial that pilots assess what went on and “do their homework” regardless of the accident outcome. In my own research and effort to understand what may have occurred on final approach a few nights ago, I found a 3 part NASA video entitled: “Aircraft Icing Loss of Control”. This NASA produced video on icing induced loss of control due to a tail stall. It focuses on 3 paths leading to a tail stall if there is ice on the tail: Flaps, Speed, and Power. The video provides a crucial look at what occurs OUTSIDE the aircraft while simultaneously shining light on what happens INSIDE the aircraft during icing conditions.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1c4-aDB4k8
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxjhnF_q0qI
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1daPJJKhEE

After watching this video, I encourage everyone to take NASA’s online quiz:
“A Pilot’s Guide to In-Flight Icing” : http://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/courses_inflight.html#

My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragic accident. God Bless.

Fly safe,
Capt. Jonathan Martel
Group 5, Squadron 338