Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sydney Otis of the Idaho Wing’s Teton Valley Composite Squadron is the 500th Civil Air Patrol student pilot to earn her wings through CAP’s youth aviation initiatives. Here, she takes a “selfie” photograph commemorating her first cross-country solo flight in a powered aircraft.
Meet Civil Air Patrol’s newest pilot, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sydney Otis of the Idaho Wing’s Teton Valley Composite Squadron — the 500th CAP student pilot to earn her wings.
Otis, who just turned 17, appropriately earned her wings through Cadet Wings, a CAP youth aviation initiative created in 2019 through funding from the U.S. Air Force with a goal of helping replenish America’s aging pilot corps, which is weathering a shortage in its ranks.
With the Idaho cadet’s milestone achievement, the CAP program is clearly reaching that goal.
“Cadet Wings is a testament to what happens when mentorship, support, and discipline come together to help cadets make their dream of flight a reality,” said Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO.
"Cadet Otis' milestone as the 500th graduate reflects both her pursuit of our core value of excellence and the program's enduring impact through shaping future aviators.”
‘Truly Honored and Grateful’
Otis was elated to be a milestone graduate of the program.
“Last Thursday [June 11], the day I received my private pilot’s certificate, was a very special day,” she said. “So many friends, family, and mentors showed up to congratulate me, which meant a lot. For the rest of the day, I kept having these little moments where it hit me all over again, ‘Wait … wow … I'm actually a pilot.
“Becoming a pilot at 17 feels surreal and so exciting. I'm honestly still in a bit of disbelief that I can now legally act as a pilot in command.”
Nevertheless, Otis appreciates the significance of her accomplishment.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be the 500th Cadet Wings awardee to receive my pilot certificate. Throughout my flying journey I never expected it to turn into something this significant, but I'm excited to help mark a major milestone for the Cadet Wings Program.”
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sydney Otis says she knew she wanted to pursue powered flight after soloing in a CAP glider in 2024.
Cadet’s Quest for Flight Begins
Although her dad has been a pilot since she was young, Otis said “becoming one myself was always just an idea in the background, not something I actively dreamed about.”
That changed when she joined CAP in 2024 and, after several orientation flights, began flying gliders, which was then a part of CAP’s many aviation initiatives.
“The day I soloed a glider at 15 was the day I knew I wanted to pursue aviation seriously,” she said.
“Continuing my flight training through CAP has been an incredible opportunity.“
Otis began her CAP powered flight training on Dec. 1, 2024, at age 15. “My goal was to solo on my 16th birthday in May [of 2025] and earn my private pilot certificate the following year at 17. The weather didn't cooperate on my actual birthday, but I was ready and soloed shortly after.”
“Cadet Wings is a big part of why I hit that goal of becoming a pilot at 17. The program gave me financial support and, just as importantly, a community of mentors who helped me through this major milestone.”
Thomas Kohler, an FAA designated pilot examiner, congratulates and presents Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sydney Otis with her certificate following her June 11 check ride.
Her Mentor Broke the News
Learning about her feat was “a fun surprise,” Otis said, explaining her flight instructor and squadron commander, Capt. Chris Clarke, told her she was number 500 immediately after she passed her check ride.
“Being able to inform Cadet Otis that she had earned her private pilot certificate was already a memorable moment, but being able to tell her she was also the 500th graduate of the Cadet Wings program made it truly special,” Clarke said. “Sydney had worked extremely hard to reach this milestone and set a goal early in her training to be fully prepared to earn her certificate as soon as she became eligible at age 17.”
Clarke said seeing Otis accomplish her goal while simultaneously becoming part of such a significant CAP achievement was rewarding.
“The smile on her face when she learned she had not only passed her check ride but had also become the 500th Cadet Wings graduate is something I will remember for a long time.”
A Lot of Challenges in Her Journey
There were numerous challenges along the way, but two stand out.
“The first was timing,” she said. “Before I received Cadet Wings, I traveled a lot for my dad's job and would sometimes go months without flying. That first flight back after a long break was always tough. I'd have to rebuild my skills and confidence each time. The second was the sheer amount of time it took.”
“I'm not sure that any part has necessarily been easy, but it has definitely been worth it. Learning to fly has been very empowering. I love the technical and challenging aspects it brings.”
Capt. Chris Clarke (right) served as the Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sydney Otis’ CAP flight instructor. Here, he proudly poses for a photo with her and FAA designated pilot examiner Thomas Kohler.
Commitment, and a Willingness to Learn
Clarke, a veteran commercial pilot who volunteers as a CAP check pilot and flight instructor, was impressed with Otis’ dedication, work ethic, and willingness to learn.
“As her flight instructor, the experience was particularly meaningful because Sydney demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout her training,” he said. “She consistently arrived prepared, completed her ground study assignments, and maintained a strong focus on continuous improvement.”
Like all student pilots, Clarke said Otis encountered challenges along the way, but she approached them with determination, maturity, and a positive attitude.
“She was highly motivated to complete her training and be fully prepared to earn her private pilot certificate as soon as she became eligible at age 17. From the beginning of her training, she remained focused on that goal and approached every lesson with professionalism and determination.”
Otis, in turn, appreciated Clarke’s contribution to her success as well as to that of her family.
“I’m so grateful to have completed this journey and even more grateful for the people who helped me get there,” she said. “A special thank you to my very supportive family and my flight instructor, Capt. Chris Clarke, who has sacrificed so much of his time to help me reach my goals.”
Celebrating Cadet Wings’ Success
Clarke said he is thankful to Civil Air Patrol and the Air Force for the partnership forged just seven years ago that not only led to Otis’ achievement but to that of another Idaho youth — Cadet Wings graduate number 477 Jacoby Tegan, a cadet chief master sergeant who received his pilot certificate in May.
“Programs like Cadet Wings create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for many young people and are instrumental in developing the next generation of aviators,” he said.
Kathrine Schmidt, CAP’s senior program manager for cadet aviation, acknowledged the success of Cadet Wings, which has been augmented in the past four years through additional funding for training scholarships provided by the James C. Ray Foundation.
“Reaching 500 private pilot certificates is an incredible milestone and a testament to the vision, dedication, and collaboration that have shaped Cadet Wings from the very beginning.”
Looking Ahead to the Next 500 Pilots
“From the start, we believed in the power of this program to change lives and open doors to aviation opportunities. Every certificate represents a cadet who had a dream, worked hard, and achieved something extraordinary. While we're proud to celebrate the first 500 private pilots, we're already looking ahead with excitement to the next 500 and the future leaders in industry they will become."
Otis, meanwhile, has a flight plan of her own.
“My plan is to keep building ratings and become a CFI [certificated flight instructor] before I start college in fall of 2027,” she said. “I'd love to instruct while I'm in school studying aerospace engineering.”
Regardless, Otis is embracing her journey of flight. “Getting my PPC [Private Pilot Certificate] was just the beginning,” she said. “I’m excited to see where aviation takes me.”
“Getting my PPC was just the beginning,” she said. “I’m excited to see where aviation takes me.”
Taking 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.
Aye, CAP’s national commander, said, “I am grateful for the selfless work of our CFIs who give their time and talent to help the next generation of pilots.”
To join CAP and learn more about these opportunities, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.
