SKY WATCH CAP UNITS

Although some Sky Watch pilots work independently the majority belong to Units in order that particular areas may be covered more effectively by pilots co-operating together. Also, having a number of pilots and helpers means that training and skill-improving may be carried out.

Units are headed by a "Chief Pilot" who is also the focal point for Sky Watch CAP in a particular area. Some Units operate a comprehensive range of training, enhancement and Air Observation sorties to a highly professional standard. Others are completely informal. But all do a valuable job.

There are Civil Air Patrol Units located in different parts of England and Scotland (none in Wales or Ireland, although we would welcome Units in those areas). Units currently operating, together with airfield locations are listed below:

No.1 (North Yorkshire) CAPU

Sky Watch was 'born' in Yorkshire and No. 1 is at Breighton, North Yorkshire, with outstations at Fishburn and Sherburn. Many training exercises have been completed and numerous incidents reported by this premier Unit.

Lancashire Wing
Details to follow soon

No.2 (Rufforth) CAPU

Based at Rufforth, York. This small unit, which developed as an off-shoot from Breighton, operates a Sky Ranger and a Pioneer 300.

No.3 (Norfolk) CAPU

A small two aircraft Unit operating out of Wattisham airfield in Suffolk, but covering Norfolk. This Unit has reported a number of fires and completed several searches.

No.4 (West Sussex) CAPU

Formerly based at Goodwood, a WW2 fighter base. Now based at Frensham Pond under a new Chief Pilot. Goodwood was reporting incidents even before Sky Watch was started, including a cabin cruiser drifting as sea with the engine u/s.

No 5 (Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire) CAPU

A small Unit based at airfields around the Counties - provides air co-operation with Thames Valley Police.

No 9 (East Yorkshire) CAPU

A very active Unit, based at Eddsfield close to HM Coastguard MRCC at Bridlington, 'Humber Coastguard' and also co-operating with Humberside Police

No 10 (Dorset) CAPU

Based at Henstridge Airfield

N0.11 (Cumbria) CAPU

Based at Glassonby airfield where the Chief Pilot is also a member of Kirby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team and a member of the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) with his search dogs, Dynamite and Flash.

No.13 (Crossland Moor) CAPU

Previously unallocated because nobody wanted the number, this brave new formation has decided to adopt it!

No.14 (Somerset) CAPU

Based at Westonzoyland, near Street in Somerset. This enthusiastic unit has assisted in incidents and carries out regular air observation patrols over the Severn Estuary on public service work spotting for people in danger on the mudflats and threatened by the Severn Bore.

No 15 (Lincolnshire) CAPU

Based at Fenland Airfield

No.18 (North Lincs) CAPU

Based at North Moor near Scunthorpe. This active unit has been involved in numerous incidents and searches.

No.22 (Essex) CAPU

Main base North Weald.

No.21 (Worcestershire) CAPU

This unit is based at Croft Farm, with outstations at Staverton and Wellesbourne Mountford. No.21 has developed a training course for Sky Watch CAP Observers.

No 23 (Highland) CAPU

Based at RAF Kinloss and co-located with the RAF Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre. There is an RAF SAR helicopter flight next door at RAF Lossiemouth.

If you are interested in joining a Unit nearest you, please add the words "send details of Unit" in the 'additional information' section of the Active Aircrew form.