N.Y. State Budget Includes $300K for Wing Renovations, Purchases, Programs

New funding in the 2017-18 New York state budget will support the operations of Civil Air Patrol’s New York Wing. The budget, passed by the State Legislature in April, includes $300,000 for a variety of renovations, new equipment and enhanced programs for the 2,300 senior members and cadets of the wing’s 69 units.

In 2016, New York Wing members provided $7.7 million of volunteer man-hours in service to the state.

“CAP must continue to grow its pilot population to assure a highly trained professional corps of airmen will always be available to fly search and rescue missions,” said Col. Tom Carello, wing commander. “To that end, the wing is purchasing a $100,000 Redbird Flight Simulator with G500 and G1000 Fly-by-Wire Programs. This will provide our pilots the opportunity to improve existing flight skills as well as permit CAP cadets to enhance flight training through our CAP Cadet Program.”

Funding from the state budget will cover $125,000 in renovations to the wing’s Schenectady mission base as well as $100,000 for a new flight simulator that will help expand STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education for its cadets and into schools across the state.

The remaining funds will support other training programs, equipment and operations at Wing Headquarters.

The budget funding was a priority for State Sen. Thomas Croci and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, a major in CAP's Legislative Squadron and co-chair of the Legislative Aviation Caucus.

"Whenever I have the opportunity to acknowledge and support the work of the Civil Air Patrol, I consider it an honor to do what I can,” Croci said. “By doing so, we recognize CAP and its citizen volunteers, who selflessly dedicate their services to protecting our country and improving the health and well-being of communities throughout New York state and our nation.

“Through a 75-year commitment of helping in our time of need, the Civil Air Patrol has set itself apart through its emergency mission work, such as assisting rescuers and state agencies following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, supporting hurricane relief efforts and aiding communities during natural disasters.

“I am proud to be in a position to help secure funding for this outstanding institution to help keep their bases in top form and to purchase a flight simulator, an important piece of equipment to assist in the training of CAP’s cadets and pilots. This funding is the least we can do for the years of service and sacrifice CAP has made for the safety of all the people of this great state and our great country,” Croci said.

“New York state is lucky to have Civil Air Patrol units actively involved in their communities,” said Lupardo. “Along with the education and training it provides cadets and members, CAP is regularly involved with emergency and disaster response missions. I'm very happy that funding was included in this year’s budget to help CAP continue doing this valuable work.”