Air Operations

FLOTILLA 56 DISTRICT  7  VERO BEACH, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA

Air Operations

AUXAIR is an Auxiliary operational program, but organized on a district level rather than on a flotilla and division basis. AUXAIR aviators have varied aviation backgrounds and many have prior military experience. AUXAIR aviators volunteer their aircraft for use as facilities, just as surface operators volunteer their boats.

All Auxiliary aircraft meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration requirements. These aircraft are inspected annually per the Commandants instruction. 

AUXAIR participates in many Coast Guard missions including:  Search and Rescue, Marine Safety, Waterways and Coastal Security,  Pollution Response,  Aids to Navigation and Ice Reconnaissance.

   AUXAIR participates in many Coast Guard missions including:  Search and Rescue, Marine Safety, Waterways and Coastal Security,  Pollution Response, Aids to Navigation and Ice Reconnaissancee

As with surface operators, air facility operators are issued patrol orders.  Orders are issued basedon schedules created by crew and facility availability and the needs of the Coast Guard. Coast Air Stations are the Order Issuing Authority for AUXAIR.  This alignment of Auxiliary aviation assets in a district with an Air Station is known as the “squadron concept”, because aviation orders and direction flow directly between the Air Station and the district aviation staff. 

Auxiliarists involved in AUXAIR take Auxiliary aviation training, completing the syllabus for their level of qualification. After having their knowledge and skills approved by an Auxiliary Flight Examiner, they may be certified by the District Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) as Pilots, Observers or Air Crew in the AUXAIR Program.