Section I. General

(a) The D1SR Auxiliary aviation program pilot-in-command flight check policy provided herein is implemented under the authority of DIRAUX, through DCO, and with the advice and guidance of DSO-AV, ADSO-CFE, and the Flight Examining Board (FEB).

(b) The D1SR Auxiliary aviation program pilot-in-command flight check policy is designed to ensure the safety, security and productivity of all Auxiliary members and participants in the Aviation program, and is intended to conform to the operating policies and procedures of, and to promote the best interests of, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Coast Guard.

(c) All D1SR Auxiliary aviation program pilot-in-command flight checks and re-checks will be conducted with fairness, objectivity and professionalism IAW the standards of Coast Guard Auxiliary Aviation.

2. I have heard the question asked, who runs AUXAIR? The answer is that many entities do. DIRAUX, Auxiliary Leadership and Air Station Cape Cod all have responsibility for a portion of the program. The relationship can best be equated to a 3 legged stool – all 3 components are required or else the program will not function. Auxiliary leadership is assigned with the responsibility of providing personnel and facilities in support of Coast Guard missions; the DSO has functional oversight of the program and needs to ensure that members comply with all appropriate directives. DIRAUX is responsible for qualifications, and quality control of the program, and is responsible for appointing the District Aviation Board, Flight Examining Board, Flight Examiners and Facility Inspectors. The Operational Commander, Air Station Cape Cod, oversees the mission, authorizes missions, and assigns orders; from the moment a mission is started, until the mission is completed, the Operational Commander has functional oversight of the members and facilities involved in that mission.

3. The Auxiliary’s role in the Coast Guard is important. You provide service and support that would otherwise not be available given today’s budgetary limitations. Flight operations over the past 2 weeks have been missed by the Operational Commanders and they look forward to the resumption of patrols in the near future. Your service is valued and appreciated.

4. The Auxiliary utilizes a Chain of Leadership and Communication to disseminate information to the membership. There are 2 parallel chains, the elected leadership chain of communication and the appointed leadership chain, which passes information regarding specific program areas. Over time, we have had an erosion of the chain of leadership and communication within the aviation program. I am not going to point to one specific event, because there isn’t one, there are many, and many parties, me included, have contributed to a lack of information sharing. It’s time to refocus and get back on track. My promise to you is better sharing of information using existing/expected channels, and I expect the same from our membership – to use the chain when communicating.

5. Many have asked why we stopped flying so abruptly, without any warning, what caused this? The short answer is see #4 above. Although not a military organization, the Auxiliary assimilates to the Coast Guard and military chain of command model. Events occurred that were no longer acceptable within the Auxiliary model of operations and necessitated change. That being said, the way forward needed to be a long term solution for the organization, one that fit within the parameters of the Coast Guard and Auxiliary. The Auxiliary necessitated the change, the Coast Guard called for the stand down of flight operations for further clarification and now with that clarification, the Auxiliary will resume flight scheduling.

6. So when will D1SR return to flying? The good news is shortly. Expect further direction regarding AUXAIR and flight scheduling from the Commodore within the next 24 hours and a return to flying starting this weekend. Expect a systematic approach to flight scheduling that treats people with fairness and consistency.

7. I ask that you have patience as the new system comes online. There will be expected issues to deal as there are with the launch of any program, but I ensure you that we are all focused on the same goal, providing safe, efficient and effective flight operations utilizing a system that ensures integrity of qualifications, fairness in flight assignments timeliness and consistency.

2. Also, I am very pleased to have Steve Trupkin aboard as the Chief Flight Examiner (CFE). As many of you know, Steve's profession is flight examinations for the FAA and I could not be more thrilled to have his experience and professional outlook on such a critical issue as flight safety and training. Our Aviation program is a model for the Auxiliary - Steve is one of the reasons for this renown.

3. The specific job responsibilities for the QCEC and CFE are spelled out in D1SRINST 16792.1, which is posted on my web page. The CQEC and CFE are my direct representatives for all training and qualification issues, via the DQO, in their respective areas of responsibility (boat crew and aviation) , especially as they apply to safety and professionalism.

4. Please join me in welcoming Paulette and Steve aboard!