The Hawaii Wing conducted its first ever National Flight Academy this year, training cadets in the skills and knowledge required to attain a powered airplane solo endorsement – the first stepping stone in achieving a private pilot certificate.
Cadet 1st Lts. Noah Araki and David Partin were the first to obtain their solo endorsements, allowing them to fly without an instructor. Araki belongs to the 66th Composite Squadron and Partin to the 77th Saint Louis Crusaders Composite Squadron.
“It felt pretty good!” Partin said, adding that obtaining his private pilot certificate has long been a goal. He also extended thanks to his instructor, Lt. Col. Lynn Savage, 66th Composite commander, for taking time out of his busy schedule to volunteer.
“If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my solo,” the cadet said.
The Saint Louis squadron’s Cadet 2nd Lt. Taiwa Nelson and Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan Lane of the Maui Composite Squadron also qualified for their solo endorsements.
The four cadets underwent intense training led by experienced instructors, not only improving their proficiency in aviation but also placing them in a competitive position for Civil Air Patrol and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum scholarships to pursue a private pilot certificate.
“Launching the National Flight Academy represents a pivotal moment for the Hawaii Wing,” said Capt. Darryl Ng, program director and flight instructor as well as Maui squadron commander and Hawaii Wing director of development.
“We are immensely proud to provide our cadets with this unique opportunity to excel in aviation education and develop the skills needed to become proficient pilots,” Ng said. _____Capt. Janel FujinakaPublic Affairs OfficerHawaii Wing
