CAF Aircraft Sponsorship question.

[PHague]

CAF Sponsorship questions:

I am interested in joining a CAF unit and sponsoring an aircraft. I recently completed a 10 hour T-6 checkout and have some questions about the sponsorship program.


1. How much does each unit fly the aircraft? Sponsorship information discusses something called MCRP and that pilots are allowed 1.5 hours per month for proficiency. What is MCRP?

2. Level of experience required for T-6 or BT-13? I have completed 10 hour T-6 checkout course and is that sufficient to being?

3. The sponsorship information discusses other financial obligations that may be incurred. What are these obligations and how much would they be for different aircraft.

4. Should I contact individual units or CAF HQ as to units that may need sponsors?

I would be interested in sponsoring a BT-13 because I believe it would be a great warbird to gain initial experience on. Anyone share thoughts on that thinking? (Oh yes… I just thing the BT-13 looks like a neat airplane too!)

Peter

[SaxMan]

I'm sure there are CAF members on this board who would better answer this question. The level of sponsorship depends on the kind of airplane. The CAF has different funding levels for each type of airplane. For instance, an L-Bird is going to cost far less to sponsor than a TBM, for example. I don't know where the BTs fall on that scale, but I imagine you're looking at the lower end of the sponsorship scale compared to the really "heavy iron" like single seat fighters.

[Alan Brooks]

Peter, congrats on your T-6 checkout.... I am going to recommend contacting one or two of our Wix members who are also CAF aircraft sponsors and pilots.... I may get an email later from them later about not volunteering them for information, but they are both a great resource of information and happen to be "Good Sticks" in the cockpit too..... PM either Randy Wilson or "Old Shep"..... One or both will be able to assist you..... Best of luck!
alan brooks

[Obergrafeter]

The first thing to do is see what aircraft a Unit in your area might have. It really wouldn't make sense to sponsor a BT 600 miles away. As Alan said different aircraft in the fleet have different requirements, both financial and experience wise. If there is no unit in your area with the desired type aircraft it is a moot question.

[Taylor Stevenson]

Peter,

First, definitely get involved with the CAF. It is a great organization that affords opportunities to warbird enthusiasts and pilots that are second to none.

For BT type aircraft, the CAF requires 300 PIC with 10 hours and 10 landings in tailwheel aircraft within the past 12 months. For AT type aircraft, the CAF requires 500 PIC with 50 hours in tailwheel aircraft, 50 hours of retract time, and 10 hours and 10 landings in tailwheel aircraft within the past 12 months. There are also checkrides required, etc. etc.

For both the BT-13 and AT-6, the "one time" sponsorship fee (entry cost) is $3500.

The way I always describe it is as a part ownership of the aircraft. Depending on if the aircraft is operated by a sponsor group or a unit, you are "on the hook" for the costs of maintenance, ANNUAC (bill to HQ for their work), etc. to keep the plane in the air as if you were a part owner of the aircraft. For example, my father used to be a flying sponsor on the CAF P-40. That aircraft has a sponsorship fee of $10k, however due to maintenance, engine O/Hs, etc. you can consider that cost nearly tenfold (others provided even more financial assistance). So don't look at the sponsorship fee as all you have to pay besides oil, gas, etc. It is an ongoing financial obligation to ensure that the aircraft be flown and maintained in perpetuity (or at lease until you leave the sponsor group). However, the potential cost of sponsorship serves as an excellent incentive to get the aircraft to shows, sell rides, and get show fees. All of which can more than cover the cost of usual maintenance.

On the other hand, if the aircraft is a part of a unit and not a sponsor group, the unit usually provides a lot of the funding for the aircraft through PX sales, dues, donations, events, etc. But if push comes to shove, you may still be on the line for $$$ to get the aircraft back flying if an engine trashes.

The above SHOULD NOT dissuade you from getting involved with a CAF aircraft. I just want you to know what is expected (ideally) of a CAF flying sponsor.

Randy and Bill are great resources for more information or just call your local unit or HQ for more information about your potential involvement.

I would urge you to not just show up and expect or ask to fly. It is an all volunteer organization, so my advice would be find a local unit, get involved, express interest, show enthusiasm, wrench on the aircraft, and opportunities will inevitably arise.

From one Texan pilot to another, congrats, good luck and I look forward to seeing you at a CAF show soon!

Taylor

[Randy Wilson]

Hi Peter - where are you located? I'd be happy to visit with you about CAF aircraft sponsorship and flying. I have or currently sponsor several CAF planes and fly a number of types. I'll need to know some more about your flying experience, how much PIC time you have and how much in tail wheel aircraft, retract time, etc. Drop me a PM and I'll give you my contact info. I'm located in Midland, Texas. You can also get answers about sponsorship by calling CAF HQ at 432-563-1000 and asking for Keith Lawrence our VP of Administration.

Randy

[Old Shep]

Peter:

"Ober" is right: if you aren't near a CAF unit with an airplane, becoming an aircraft sponsor is really just a demonstration of faith in the organization (and charitable giving). All the information about sponsorship is available on the CAF website. From my memory, Sponsorship amounts range from $1500 for liaison and primary trainers, $3500 for BT and AT, $5000 for some single-engine types like the SBD, and $10,000 for the fighters. Remember, the CAF isn't an FBO renting Cessna's and sponsorship is not necessarily going to get you into the cockpit. There are pilot qualifications as well, plus a commitment to continue to financially support the aircraft (if you are a flying sponsor), and you have to become an active part of the group that maintains the airplane.

A ten hour check-out in a T-6 is a good first step: congratulations and good luck!

Old Shep

[Alan Brooks]

Thanks guys..... Taylor, sorry man , I thought you were still out of pocket over in Europe!
alan

[Randy Wilson]

Peter - check your PM (private mail) on this site for my contact info.

Randy

[Taylor Stevenson]

Alan,
No worries! Still over here at Oxford, but no amount of travels can prevent me from checking WIX! Gotta love Wifi...
TS