Most 9-year-olds — when faced with a loooong international flight would be bored — with “Are we there YET?” on repeat, but not Samuel Ten, a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Wings graduate and instructor, senior member, and former cadet with the Burke (Virginia) Composite Squadron. Instead, that 2014 flight to his parents’ Malaysian homeland fueled a previously unknown aspiration to fly.
“I’m looking out the windows and was just amazed. I remember thinking, ‘This is it! This is what I want to do.’ … That Christmas, “my mom gave me an introduction to flying experience.”
And just like that, he was totally and completely hooked on flying.
That early interest in aviation led to a family friend introducing him to CAP. Ten said he was so eager to become a member that he started attending Burke squadron meetings when he was 11½.
“I was a stowaway for a little while,” he said with a laugh, “so when I turned 12, I had already attended the mandatory number of meetings to become a cadet.”
Then a new Civil Air Patrol cadet, Samuel Ten takes his first orientation ride on Sept. 24, 2017, with that same grin he had on that long ago flight to Malaysia.
His ‘Cadet Life’ Experience
Ten jumped into cadet life without looking back. He became a cadet lieutenant colonel, the cadet squadron commander of his home squadron and earned his Gen. Ira C. Eaker Award. His favorite cadet memory stemmed from helping the Virginia Wing to a third-place finish at the 2022 National Cadet Competition.
“Seeing that many cadets, the esprit de corps and camaraderie, was beyond extraordinary,” he said.
To expand his CAP experience beyond the squadron level, he also took on the role of public affairs officer for the Virginia Wing. In July of 2025, he had the opportunity to travel to Australia as part of CAP’s International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE), which sends elite senior-level cadet ambassadors abroad to spend two weeks alongside cadets from over a dozen other nations to build global goodwill, tour aerospace and military facilities, and experience foreign cultures.
He is also the recipient of the Air Force Association’s 2026 CAP Cadet of the Year Award.
Then-Cadet 1st Lt. Samuel Ten takes his first solo on Jan. 2, 2022.
The Cadet Wings Program
And when he first heard of CAP’s Cadet Wings Program, he knew he wanted to apply. But first, he had to meet the qualifications — completion of encampment, participation in squadron and higher-level activities and leadership experiences, flight training and passing the solo check ride, and FAA knowledge and medical examinations.
“Cadets [like Samuel] are learning what makes an ideal candidate before they’re eligible to apply, giving them time to intentionally pursue CAP achievements and aviation experiences,” said Kathrine Schmidt, senior program manager for cadet aviation who oversees Cadet Wings. “As a result, the pathway to becoming a competitive candidate is increasingly embedded in the cadet experience.”
Ten’s chance to solo came right after winter encampment. “I was 16 and the anticipation was off the chart,” he remembered about the drive to the flight line.
“Man, the grin I had from ear-to-ear was insane.”
When Ten was in the air alone, he said he felt peace. “You have control of the whole airplane. It was pretty spectacular,” he said.
Not One, but Two Certificates
He pursued the qualifications needed for the Cadet Wings aggressively and, on April 24, 2023, at age 17, became the 233rd graduate of the Cadet Wings program, achieving his private pilot certificate. Two years later on July 4, 2025, the day he left for IACE in Australia, he became a certificated flight instructor (CFI) — a rating he pursued on his own.
And, to Ten, being able to give back to CAP and share the experiences, friendships, and leadership opportunities he had as a cadet with those he now instructs is another dream come true. Just recently, Ten completed the Cadet Wings certifications for two cadets from his squadron.
“Younger cadets are watching older cadets in their own squadrons progress through Cadet Wings, earn their certificates and continue into advance aviation opportunities,” Schmidt said.
“Becoming a pilot is no longer something they only hear about — it is something they see their peers accomplishing. By stepping into the role of instructors their achievements reflect the heart of CAP’s core value of volunteer service — using one’s talents not only for personal growth but to mentor others.”
Samuel Ten, then a cadet major, received his private pilot certificate in April 2023.
‘The Resources You Need to Succeed’
Ten is actively pursuing a job with the airlines by graduating from college early with a bachelor’s degree in professional flights and building up his flying hours. He said Cadet Wings took the financial burden of learning to fly off the table.
“It’s a huge help not to worry about where the money will be coming from for the next lesson. All I had to focus on then was flight training.”
Ten took his parents up one day soon after earning his license to fly. “The smiles they had,” he said made their encouraging words of “you got this” even more meaningful. He added: “They are super proud.”
Ten has some advice for those wishing to apply.
“It’s an amazing, spectacular program that goes beyond what a flight school can provide — giving you all the resources you need to succeed.”
He said he does have one wish for the program’s future: an alumni group for the graduates. “I’d really enjoy that,” he said.
He relishes his new identity of being an inspiration and role model for his cadets and being able to share his love for Civil Air Patrol and the wide-open skies. However, so far his younger sister is immune to its lure. “She’s a dancer,” he said ruefully.
Senior Member Samuel Ten congratulates Cadet Capt. Luke Secrest, a recent Cadet Wings graduate, following his private pilot certificate check ride. Ten served as an instructor pilot for Secrest.
Entering a Second Generation of Cadet Flying
Now in its eighth year, Cadet Wings is a merit-based program for cadets pursuing a private pilot certificate. The program gives cadets a strong foundation over a variety of pathways rather than focusing on one specific aviation career.
Funding partners include the U.S. Air Force and the James C. Ray Foundation.
Training is completed at a local flight school or with CAP flight instructors using CAP Cessna 172 aircraft. By successfully progressing through the training and earning their PPCs, they then become role models and leaders for other cadets.
The program boasts an 89% completion rate — approximately three times the national average for flight schools. Over 29% of its graduates have earned an additional FAA rating beyond private pilot, and 56 graduates have earned their CFI ratings.
Want to See for Yourself?
Most CAP squadrons meet weekly, and visitors are welcome. The best way to understand what the organization does is to see it in person and ask questions. There is no obligation to stop by, and no experience required to start.
Cadets interested in flying, and adults like Ten interested in supporting future events as pilots, ground staff, or mentors can learn more here.
Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization with members nationwide. CAP performs emergency services and disaster relief missions, operates one of the largest cadet programs in the country, and provides aerospace education for both its members and the public.
