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Most Sky Watch pilots work completely independently although a number work in 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 Ai 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 AASU is at Breighton, North Yorkshire, with outstations at Eddsfield,
Fishburn and Sherburn. Many training exercises have been completed and numerous
incidents reported by this premier Unit.
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.
N0.11 (Cumbria) CAPU
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.16 (Severn Estuary) CAPU
Unit has recently moved to new airfield.
No.18 (North Lincs) CAPU
Based at Sandtoft, near Scunthorpe. This active unit has been involved in numerous instances and searches.
No.21 (Worcestershire) CAPU
This unit is based at Croft Farm, with outstations at Shobdon and Staverton.
No.21 has developed a training course for Sky Watch AAS Observers.
No.22 (Essex) CAPU
Based around a number of airfields in Essex with a group of enthusiastic microlight pilots who have their own web site.
No.23 (Moray Firth) 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.
n.b 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.
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