From the age of 10, Adam Steele, now 17, wanted to be a pilot. He just didn’t have the means to start down that path.
But in June, thanks to a Civil Air Patrol-funded program called Cadet Wings, Steele successfully completed the process to earn his private pilot’s certificate. He was one of 10 cadets selected from across the country. They spent one week at the Shirley Martin Powered Flight Academy in Nacogdoches doing ground school, then spent the next three weeks in Brownsville flying and training.
“The program was so great. I had the opportunity to obtain my private pilot’s certificate, which I wouldn’t have had the means to do otherwise. Flying solo was the most amazing experience ever. I knew then that’s what I want to do with my life,” Steele said.
Steele has been a member of the Sulphur Springs Composite Squadron (TX-450) Texas Wing - Civil Air Patrol for over three years. He joins fellow cadet and pilot Emma Herrington, who was the first cadet to complete the program, earning her wings in January. The Sulphur Springs squadron is now the only one in the nation with two cadet pilots.
Eight of the 10 cadets in Steele’s group earned their wings during the session in Brownsville. One more earned theirs the following week, and the last one should receive theirs very soon.
The goal of Cadet Wings is to assist cadets in obtaining their private pilot’s certificate, recognized by industry as the first milestone for those who have a serious desire to pursue a flying career. The program provides formal flight training to selected CAP cadets and includes needs-based elements to remove financial barriers for economically-disadvantaged cadets. It’s designed to address the reasons why people drop out of flight training before they finish.
Any cadet can apply for Cadet Wings, but meeting certain aviation-related prerequisites will help improve their chances for selection. For example, a current student pilot certificate, current medical certificate, completion of ground school and passing the FAA Airman Knowledge Test would all make a candidate more competitive.
Steele plans to continue his aviation career by enlisting in the United States Air Force after he graduates from Rains High School this coming May.