C/Lt Col Salvador Takes to the Skies with the Cadet Wings Program
Posted on July 31, 2024 at 2:51 PM by Jacob McIntosh
Aloha (hello) from the Hawaii Wing! My name is C/Lt Col Jon Dylan Salvador, and I am from the Maryknoll Cadet Squadron (PCR-HI-030) on the island of Oahu. I would like to give a huge MAHALO (thank you) to the James C. Ray Scholarship Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to work towards my Private Pilot’s Certificate without having to pay a dime! It has been an incredible experience working with my personal navigator, Capt Ken Mumford, my YAI Panel Mentor, Maj Brad Berger, and the Cadet Wings team to accomplish my goals. It is so valuable people in your corner, supporting you all the way through and keeping you accountable when training is slowing down or congratulating you during milestones of training.
Currently, I have just below 60 hours, with only a few more flights to go before I go up for my check ride at the end of July. In addition, it is such a blessing to be able to see the Hawaiian Islands from the sky, and if you were to view my photo gallery, it would be full of scenic photos taken in flight. It is astonishing to see how far I have come through the support of the James C. Ray Scholarship – I mean, 6 months ago, I had no idea I’d be this close to getting my PPC!
Looking ahead, I will attend Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and major in Aeronautical Science – Fixed Wing track to continue my journey to the airlines. Through the Cadet Wings program, I have not only obtained the required hour totals mandated by the FARs, but I have also become a safer pilot because of the thorough training that I’ve been able to receive. This experience has been phenomenal, it has taken me to new heights, and I hope that more cadets with a passion for aviation will get to take advantage of Cadet Wings in the future. A hui hou (until we meet again)!
Cadet Wings is a merit-based program for cadets pursuing a Private Pilot Certificate (PPC). Cadets complete their training at a local flight school (sometimes referred to as "FBO") or with CAP flight instructors using our CAP Cessna 172 aircraft. Funding for this program comes from the United States Air Force and other funding partners such as the Ray Foundation with the goal of developing tomorrow's aerospace leaders. To learn more about the Cadet Wings program, visit our website.