Here are all the steps, documents, and forms necessary to becoming a CAF pilot.
However, the best thing you could do right now is to contact the Operations Officer. Let them know that you are thinking! They can help guide you through this process.
The most recent document versions can be found on the CAF Operations Document Resources page. You will want to review these manuals found under Document Resources and then CAFR Regulations:
CAFR 60-1 Flight Operations
CAFR 60-2 Aircrew Training
CAFR 60-4 Safety Management System (SMS)
It will be necessary to fill out the CAF 601 - Flight Experience form. If you have time in a number of aircraft, be sure and emphasize the ones that are most like the airplane you are interested in sponsoring/piloting. You will need copies of your pilot certificate, medical, tailwheel endorsement (if applicable), and current flight review. CAFR 60-2 Table E (approximately page 10) gives a summary of experience requirements to complete initial checkouts.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Operations Officer.
CAF Form 601 - Flight Experience form
It will be necessary to fill out the CAF Hold Harmless form. The button below should have preselected (a) Indiana Wing, (b) Did Not Fly An Aircraft, and (c) CAF Pilot or Flight Crew.
Hold Harmless form
The Flight Evaluation Board (FEB) is responsible for selecting pilot applications (including instructor/check pilots) and performing pilot "Fit to Fly" evaluations. Considerations include: (a) does the pilot meet minimum CAF and FAA requirements; (b) does the pilot fit the Unit's needs; (c) has the pilot contributed their sponsorship for the aircraft; (d) does the pilot contribute time and talent to the unit. NOTE - Typically the pilot gives a verbal commitment to Aircraft Sponsorship once their Transition Letter is approved by Headquarters (see Pilot Transition Letter below).
If the FEB review has a positive outcome, then the process continues.
The FEB Chair will compete a CAF Form 600 - Pilot Transition Request with the results and submit it to Headquarters. NOTE - Typically this is marked that the candidate intends to sponsor once their Transition Letter is approved.
Filled out by the Operations Officer
The pilot will receive a transition letter from Headquarters that indicates training may begin.
NOW is the best time to sponsor the aircraft. Go back to the Become a Sponsor page and do that.
All CAF flight and crew members must use a CAF approved tan flight suit (CWU 27/P Nomex).
CAF Tan Nomex Flight Suite - Ordering Information
Hint - You will notice the size chart does not include a column for the waist, only chest. The flight suit is built like a tube. That means the waist is the same size as the chest. So if your waist is bigger than your chest, consider using that measurement as your chest size. Ask a current CAF pilot if you have any questions.
The Pilot receives and logs training from an authorized Instructor or Check Pilot.
This topic has so much information we put it on its own site.
Training website
The CAF Form 602 - Training Documentation form is filled out after training is complete.
CAF Form 602 - Training Documentation form
The pilot will receive a letter from Headquarters that indicates the pilot is approved.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Operations Officer.