Washington Wing ES Training
Washington Wing conducts Emergency Services training to prepare members for missions assigned under CAP’s federal charter and Air Force auxiliary status. Training supports ground operations, air operations, sUAS, communications, and incident staff roles.
Core elements include initial qualification courses, specialty-track skills development, and wing-level exercises that build mission readiness. Members train to CAP national standards while integrating requirements from state, local, and federal partners.
Training opportunities from the state can be taken with Wing Commander approval. The State training portal can be found here. Be sure you meet all pre-requisites before applying for the training.
Washington Legal Authorities for Search and Rescue
Creates the statewide emergency management system and authorizes the use of qualified volunteer organizations. Establishes incident authority at the local government level.
Designates the county sheriff as the lead for SAR within each county. Provides the governing rule for ground SAR, rescue operations, and scene control once an aircraft or subject is located.
Defines requirements for volunteer emergency worker registration, training, activation, and liability protections. Forms the administrative basis for integrating organizations such as CAP into SAR missions when properly activated.
WSDOT Aviation: Air Search and Rescue Role
Statutory Basis
WSDOT Aviation is responsible for coordinating air search and rescue for missing or overdue aircraft within Washington State. Responsibilities include receiving aircraft reports, initiating the search, coordinating air resources, and working with AFRCC when federal authority is involved.
Limitations of WSDOT Air SAR
WSDOT Aviation’s SAR authority is limited to the search phase of aviation incidents.
Jurisdiction After the Aircraft Is Located
Once the aircraft is found, jurisdiction returns to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) over the location:
- On county land: the county sheriff assumes command of rescue, recovery, investigation, evidence protection, and scene safety under RCW 38.52.400
- On federal lands: the appropriate federal land manager becomes the AHJ
- On tribal lands: the tribal government is the AHJ
- During an AFRCC mission: AFRCC maintains operational oversight only until the formal transition to the AHJ is complete
WSDOT Aviation’s role ends at location, though it may continue assisting with administrative coordination or information relay.
Civil Air Patrol’s Position in Washington ES
Civil Air Patrol may support:
- AFRCC-assigned missions as the Air Force Auxiliary
- State or local requests for aviation SAR support routed through appropriate channels