How to Get Involved with the CAF
Find Your Place in the CAF
Whether you love aircraft, history, education, restoration, events, or storytelling, there is a way to get involved with the Commemorative Air Force. You don't have to be a pilot to get involved. CAF members include mechanics, teachers, veterans, students, historians, photographers, accountants, event volunteers, fundraisers, storytellers, and aviation enthusiasts. If you have time, skills, curiosity, or a love of history, there is a place for you.
Join the CAF Find a Unit Near YouHow Do You Want to Help?
CAF members keep history flying in many different ways. Some work directly with aircraft, while others support events, education, museums, administration, outreach, and preservation projects.
Volunteer Locally
Join a CAF Unit and help with events, aircraft support, museums, programs, or day-to-day operations.
Find a Local UnitSupport an Aircraft
Help preserve, maintain, restore, and share a specific aircraft in the CAF Ghost Squadron.
Explore CAF AircraftBecome a CAF Pilot
Pilots may pursue flying historic CAF aircraft upon meeting training and safety qualifications.
Learn About FlyingHelp at Headquarters
Use professional skills in administration, marketing, finance, development, or museum support.
Contact CAF HQSupport Remotely
Not near a CAF Unit? You can still help through donations, digital outreach, research, and special projects.
Support the CAFShare Aviation History
Help tell the stories of veterans, aircraft, crews, volunteers, and the people who built, flew, and maintained these aircraft.
Read CAF StoriesPhotography
Work with the media team to capture images, video, stories, and interviews that help share the CAF mission.
Learn MoreMechanics
Vintage aircraft need lots of support. You don't need to have experience to lend a hand.
Learn MoreHow to Get Started
1. Become a CAF Member
Choose the membership level that fits you. CAF membership is the first step to volunteering with a CAF Unit.
2. Find a Local Unit
Connect with a CAF Unit, Squadron, Detachment, or Aircraft Support Team near you.
3. Share Your Interests
Tell the Unit what you enjoy: aircraft, education, events, restoration, admin, photography, history, or public outreach.
4. Start Volunteering
Help preserve aircraft, support events, educate visitors, and keep aviation history alive.
Ready to Get Involved?
Your time, talent, and enthusiasm can help keep historic aircraft flying and make sure the stories they carry are not forgotten.
Become a CAF Member Find a CAF UnitFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a pilot to volunteer with the CAF?
No. Most CAF volunteer opportunities do not require a pilot certificate. Members help with aircraft restoration, events, education, administration, photography, marketing, fundraising, museums, and visitor engagement.
Do I need military experience?
No. CAF members come from many backgrounds. You only need an interest in helping preserve and share military aviation history.
Do I need to be a CAF member to volunteer?
Yes. To volunteer for CAF duty or participate with a CAF Unit, you must first become a member at the CAF Colonel level or higher.
Can teenagers get involved?
Yes. CAF Cadet membership is available for ages 13–17.
What kinds of skills does the CAF need?
The CAF needs volunteers with many skills, including aircraft restoration, mechanics, education, event support, administration, marketing, photography, fundraising, finance, visitor services, research, and storytelling.
What if there is not a CAF Unit near me?
You can still support the CAF through donations, aircraft sponsorship, online outreach, research, special projects, and national programs.
