Leaders,

Bottom Line Up Front: All Civil Air Patrol pilots must complete Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) training by 30 November 2026. Beginning 1 December 2026, pilots who have not completed the training will have their VFR Pilot achievement suspended until they satisfy the requirement.

Progress and Region Completion Data

Following my 10 September 2026 message to Region Commanders on ADM training and operational safety, I want to update you on our progress and reinforce the importance of completing this training.

We have seen excellent progress across CAP. I’d like to highlight three units for their excellence: Southwest Region (SWR) has achieved 97% completion, Great Lakes Region (GLR) has achieved 86% completion, and NHQ has achieved 100% completion. Congratulations to the commanders, operations teams, and pilots in these regions on your outstanding work!

Across CAP, our overall completion rate is 77%. However, excluding SWR, GLR, and NHQ, the remaining regions average only 66% completion. This leaves approximately 34% of pilots who have flown CAP aircraft in those regions still needing to complete this important training. My original intent was for it to be completed before flying. I will own not communicating that clearly. I am requesting that commanders and operations leaders in these regions prioritize completion well ahead of the 30 November 2026 deadline.

ADM Training Completion by Region

Training Requirements and Implementation

• Training availability: The ADM course is available now in Absorb for all CAP pilots.
• Completion deadline: All CAP pilots must complete ADM training no later than 30 November 2026.
• Qualification enforcement: Effective 01 December 2026, pilots who have not completed the course will have their VFR Pilot achievement suspended until training is completed.
• Recurring requirement: ADM training will become an annual requirement alongside Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM) training.
• CAPF 70-5 evaluations: Pilots completing an initial or annual CAPF 70-5 evaluation must have completed ADM training within the preceding 12 calendar months.

Leadership Expectations

Please work with your directors of operations and deputy chiefs of staff for operations to ensure this training is completed well ahead of the deadline and, if possible, before the next flight for those who have not taken it.

ADM is not simply another training requirement. It reinforces the judgment, discipline, and professional decision-making expected of every CAP pilot. Recognizing changing risks, resisting continuation bias, and deciding to delay, divert, or discontinue a flight when conditions warrant is fundamental to our safety culture. 

Our objective is not merely 100% course completion. It is ensuring that every pilot understands and applies these principles on every flight.

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to our missions and members.

Major General Regena M. Aye, CAP

CEO/National Commander