Become A CASARA Edenvale Volunteer
CASARA EDENVALE is always looking for volunteers who are interested in joining a well-trained, dedicated group of Search and Rescue volunteers.
The minimum age is 18 years old and one must apply for membership. Depending on your interests and qualifications, there are various roles and cross training opportunities.
Air Crew:
Each crew member has very distinctive and important roles:
| Pilot | Safe operation of the aircraft |
| Navigator | Accurate coverage of the search area |
| Spotter | Surveillance & spotting the search object |
Pilot: If you have a Canadian pilot licence and meet the minimum level of qualifications, you may be considered for training as a SAR pilot. Expect to progress through various other crew positions including ESS, spotter and navigator. In addition to their requisite pilot skills and experience, pilots have training and knowledge in navigation, map preparation, SAR search patterns, ELT homing procedures, and more.
Navigator: Many navigators are pilots, but a non-pilot with special aptitude, and of course the required training, may also be a successful navigator as well. Navigators have training and knowledge in navigation, map preparation, advanced SAR search patterns, ELT homing procedures, and more. The navigator assists the pilot with preparations and attends briefings with the pilot.
Spotter: Most members seek to qualify as spotters. While some weight restrictions apply to light plane spotters, there are no height or weight restrictions for those spotters who are also qualified as operational military spotters spotting on military SAR aircraft, primarily the CC-130 Hercules.
Ground Crews: are effectively used to track and locate signals from emergency radio beacons or transmitters, either acting alone in their direction finding equipment equipped vehicle, or in conjunction with an overhead SAR aircraft. There are various beacons, such as an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) on board aircraft, Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board marine vessels, or Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)carried by hikers and other outdoor persons. A well-trained electronic search specialist (ESS) can make a difference when a beacon is signalling urgent help for an aircraft, boat, or hiker in distress. A Ground Crew also includes a driver, navigator, radio operator, and first-aider, with some volunteers filling dual roles.
Search Coordinators: who plan training activities in conjunction with the Training Officer, and manage the conduct of SAREXs or actual search missions, play an essential planning and leadership role. Radio Operators also operate out of the Operations Room and are fundamental to every successful mission.
If you do not want to be directly involved in search operations, there are other jobs you can take on. Fundraising is an important part of our operations, and volunteers are always needed to help out at our bingos each month. Administrators are also a much-valued resource.
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. To submit your application & resume, click here Application To Join