C/CMSgt Wilson Accepted Into Cadet Wings Program

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Wilson of the David Lee "Tex" Hill Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Composite Squadron in San Marcos was recently accepted into the Cadet Wings Program. Cadet Wings provides funded training to selected Civil Air Patrol cadets to earn their Private Pilot Certificate in the Airplane (Single Engine Land-ASEL or otherwise known as powered), Glider, or Lighter-than-air (Balloon) categories and classes. The Air Force has allocated CAP  funds for CAP cadet flight training with the goal of fulfilling its mission of developing tomorrow’s aerospace leaders.

C/CMSgt Wilson was exposed to general aviation through the CAP Orientation Ride program that provides introductory rides in a CAP airplane and lets the cadet handle the controls. C/CMSgt Wilson currently has 27.7 flight hours and 3.4 hours solo time and is training 2-3 times a week.

As part of the Youth Aviation Initiative, Cadet Wings is a merit-based program, providing formal flight training for CAP cadets pursuing a Private Pilot Certificate. The PPC is recognized by industry as the first milestone for those who have a serious desire to pursue a flying career. Cadet Wings also includes needs-based elements to remove financial barriers for economically-disadvantaged cadets. There have been 75 graduates of the Wings Program. Now in its second year, Cadet Wings has 68 pilot candidates enrolled in the United States.

C/CMSgt Wilson is the Aerospace Officer of the San Marcos CAP squadron and has additionally taken on the role of Aerospace mentor, where he will mentor and advise and assist the new Aerospace Officer in training. He has also just been promoted from Flight Sergeant to First Sergeant where he is responsible of all Non-Commissioned Officers and airmen in the squadron. His goal is to become a fighter pilot in the US military, and feels that the Wings program is a great opportunity to begin his education and career in aviation.