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Flight Release. Minnesota Wing Air Branch Director Course. Overview. Anatomy of a Flight Release Officer FRO Qualifications What is a FRO? FRO Responsibilities FRO paperwork Pilot Responsibilities What a FRO is NOT expected to be. Mission specific items. Anatomy of a FRO.
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Flight Release Minnesota Wing Air Branch Director Course
Overview • Anatomy of a Flight Release Officer • FRO Qualifications • What is a FRO? • FRO Responsibilities • FRO paperwork • Pilot Responsibilities • What a FRO is NOT expected to be. • Mission specific items
Anatomy of a FRO • Seasoned CAP member • Lives by the book • Not afraid to grant or deny authorization • Makes decisions and moves on
FRO Qualifications • CAPR 60-1, says that FROs are CAP senior members designated in writing as Flight Release Officers by the Executive Director, region or wing commander or their designee. Candidates must past the on-line FRO training course and possess a sound knowledge of the CAP Flight Management Program prior to being appointed as an FRO.
FRO Qualifications • Possess sound knowledge of CAP flight management and flight release procedures. • Be appointed by the region or wing commander or their designee.
What is a FRO? • An intelligent, self starting checklist reader • An official recorder of the authorization of a flight. • A gate-keeper with an empty clip and no bayonet? • The last official interface between CAP and the pilot prior to the flight.
FRO Responsibilities • Best efforts to authorize the flight • Agree with the pilot on a mission symbol that fits. • Ensure that a quality flight release has been conducted. • A poor flight release is not only a bad idea, it could put insurance coverage in jeopardy.
FRO Paperwork • CAPF 99 (non-missions) • CAPF 104 – release for missions. • Copy of CAPF 99 to the Wing DO and State Director by the 5th of each month. • CAPF 104 remains with mission paperwork. • Keep current copies of regulations, forms and wing/unit rosters with you.
Pilot Responsibilities • Provide all required documentation needed to establish and update records. • Pilot-in-Command must obtain the release. • Certify eligibility of passengers • Coordinate mission symbol with FRO. • Fly the mission as released • Complete paperwork. • Report back to FRO with actual flight time.
Flight Following • CAPR 60-1, Para 2-5 says in part that the FRO is “responsible for confirming the aircraft safely arrived at it’s destination if an FAA flight plan is not used.” • FAA flight plans are required for CAP flights beyond 50 NM. • FROs may request the pilot file a flight plan instead of using the FRO as flight following.
What a FRO is NOT! • Not a flight dispatcher • Not a weather forecaster • Not a mechanic • Not a FAA Safety Inspector • Not the Pilot’s Mother • Not responsible for the conduct and/or safety of the flight.
Reasons to Decline a Flight Release • Doubt about flight safety and legitimacy • Obvious severe weather • Pilot/crew qualification/currency • Is the purpose a legitimate flight IAW 60-1? • Aircraft status • IFR Capable • Mechanically sound • If it doesn’t feel right, something is probably wrong.
How to resolve FRO concerns • If there is a problem, DO NOT release the flight. • Politely state the reasons to the PIC. • Pass the problem up the chain of command. • If the problem can be resolved • Release the flight • Pass the problem and resolution up your chain.
FRO Creed • I realize I am the last link in the safety chain • I follow rules • I will take enough time to do it right • I will complete records correctly • I will ensure positive flight closure • If in doubt, I will not grant a flight release • I will keep my superiors informed