Air Program

Aviation Patrols & Missions:

Auxiliary Aviation Mission

AuxAir missions are nearly identical to that of the surface Auxiliary. Boating Safety, Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Domain Awareness and Environmental Protection are some of the routine missions of the Auxiliary. The exception is that our auxiliarist's perform our duties from an aircraft.

Operational Plan

Squadron 11N is organized into an aircraft/mission-specific operational plan. Single engine aircraft patrol the California coastline, San Francisco Bay, and inland waterways from the Golden Gate bridge following the deep water channels to Stockton and Sacramento. Included are reviews of the hundred of inland islands, channels, rivers, and levees in the inland Delta area. Twin engine aircraft patrol offshore (30+ miles) Marine Domain Awareness patrols, Search and Rescue, transportation and logistics operations. An additional task of AuxAir is in support of Homeland Security conducting various security checks of specialized targets throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Coordination with the regular Coast Guard

Squadron 11N also coordinates with the the regular Coast Guard helicopter units fro Air Station San Francisco for Search and Rescue tasks, and specialized helicopter crew training.

Organization

Auxiliary aircraft pilots and air crews are spread throughout the District. The Squadron concept was organized to bring in aviators from various Flotillas. Organization using the Squadron concept allows all aviators to fly together and train together, mixing crews from various Flotillas.

Patrol Orders

Official Patrol Orders are issued from Air Station San Francisco for each patrol. Although an Auxiliarist is charged with determining patrol schedules\and assigning pilots and crew, the Air Station is charged with the approval of every flight. Orders are sent to all qualified aviators on the Air Ops Mailing List. If orders (flights) cannot be undertaken because of inclement weather or other unforeseen events, the pilot must report the cancellation to the scheduler as soon as possible so the flight can be reissued. Total flight hours per/week are set and flights can be adjusted when problems occur.

Pilots need not have orders in hand before launching on scheduled flights, although that is preferable. Pilots and/or flight crew must have a patrol number and report that number on the official flight log.

Post-Patrol Reimbursement

Following their missions, pilots submit their patrol order claims for signature and submittal to the Finance Center for payments.  Short or no-notice missions are handled on a case-by-case basis. Orders will be good for seven days from the date of issuance.

San Francisco 12-05

Sacramento

03-01

Humboldt Bay

08-06