Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andie Carballosa holds up the private pilot’s certificate he received in 2025, thanks to funding provided by the Ray Foundation. The achievement made him CAP’s 412th Cadet Wings graduate.
Since its beginning in 2019 through a partnership with the U.S. Air Force, the goal of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wings Program has been to train new pilots to help replenish America’s aging pilot corps, which is weathering a shortage in its ranks.
And thanks to a grant from the Naples, Fla.-based Ray Foundation, Inc., founded by James C. Ray, Cadet Wings is doing just that — moving forward at full throttle and now nearing the 500-pilot threshold.
“Over the past four years, I’ve watched the James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship Foundation investment grow year over year — reaching more cadets, changing more lives, and opening doors that once felt out of reach. This funding doesn’t just help a cadet earn their wings today; it sets the trajectory for a lifetime in aviation.”
As was the case with Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andie Carballosa of the Florida Wing’s Tamiami Composite Squadron — a Ray Foundation scholarship recipient (#412) who has earned his instrument rating and his commercial pilot certificate since receiving his private pilot certificate July 7, 2025, through Cadet Wings.
“As we near 500 graduates, we are incredibly proud to be building one of the strongest and largest youth-driven pilot pipelines in the country,” Schmidt said. “We are truly grateful for the trust placed in Civil Air Patrol and look forward to continuing this growth together for many years ahead.”
Of the 488 cadets who have earned the privilege and responsibility of flight as of May 27, 190 have been funded through the James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarships. The foundation has given $3.26 million in support of cadet aviation initiatives over the past four years, allowing CAP to continue reaching its long-term goal of minting new pilots.
“Through the support of the James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship Foundation, cadets are not only given access to flight training — they are encouraged to connect with dedicated local Navigators who are deeply invested in their success. Since inception, there have been more than 170 Navigators volunteer to walk alongside cadets. These mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and celebrate each milestone, creating a powerful support system that extends far beyond financial assistance.”
Carballosa’s squadron commander, 1st Lt. Omar Munoz, served as his Cadet Wings navigator.
“[Lt. Munoz] was extremely helpful, as he provided motivation and gave me a reason to keep moving forward in my training when it became difficult. Additionally, having a navigator made me feel accountable for my progress. I think that the navigator is definitely a critical part of Cadet Wings, and they are a great source of motivation to continue studying and making progress. I felt that if I ever hit a plateau or failed something like a stage check, a conversation with my navigator could get me right back on track.”
Munoz, who has served as a navigator for several cadets in the Tamiami squadron, said he is grateful for the opportunity to help them “navigate’ the Cadet Wings program while watching them progress and succeed.
“Reality is, these cadets are all exceptional and require very little guidance,” he said. “If anything, I am learning from them.”
Carballossa ‘On Another Level’
Munoz said Carballosa is “on another level” when it comes to pilot training.
“I have cadets that have flown hundreds of hours over two-three years, and Andie not only surpassed them in flying but also in ratings in a shorter period of time,” he said. “He has been good enough that he is currently working at Aviator Zone [a local FBO] and frequently appears in their social media videos. There was a recent video on carburetor icing he was featured in.”
For many cadets and their families, the cost of flight instruction is prohibitive. Cadet Wings solves that problem for those who are accepted into the program after a rigorous application process.
“By removing financial barriers and surrounding cadets with consistent mentorship, we keep them engaged, motivated, and moving forward — contributing to an 87% completion rate, nearly three times the national average. This combination of opportunity and support is what truly sets the program apart.”
Carballosa and his FAA examiner, Gary Schneider, are all smiles after the CAP cadet passed his check ride for his commercial pilot certificate.
Carballosa, a budding commercial airline pilot, appreciates the benefits of the flight training scholarship he received.
“The Ray Foundation played a critical role in the development of my career as a pilot through their funding of the Cadet Wings Program. Without their support I wouldn't have been able to achieve my private pilot certificate and ultimately begin training for my career in aviation. I will be forever grateful to the Ray Foundation and Cadet Wings for giving me the foundation to earn my wings and for the impact which they've had on cadets' lives, including my own.”
Since becoming a CAP pilot, Carballosa has continued with his career flight plan.
“I am currently working toward becoming a flight instructor, and in the future, I hope to pursue a career in a mainline, such as American, Delta, or United,” he said.
“Additionally, I wish to give back to the program and provide CAP orientation flights once I do achieve the instructor rating.”
Take flight with Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol's cadet program offers a variety of youth aviation initiatives, including orientation flights for young cadets and flight academies and the Cadet Wings Program for older cadets. Adult members with flight and instructor pilot experience are also welcome.
To join CAP and learn more about these opportunities, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.
