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Youth Aviation Initiative Panel
Civil Air Patrol's Youth Aviation Initiative (YAI) was created in 2019 to help address a national pilot shortage. Each year, more than $1 million is invested from CAP, Air Force, and private donors like the James C. Ray Foundation into the Youth Aviation Initiative. This investment helps cadets learn how to fly earlier, enhancing their experience and giving them a head start as they embark on military, commercial and other aviation-focused careers.
Consisting of industry professionals, the YAI Panel is a group of CAP volunteers who help guide the Youth Aviation Initiative. They work closely with the Cadet Wings program, helping to mentor enrolled cadets working towards their Private Pilot Certificate. Learn more about the YAI Panel members below.
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Col Christopher "Chris" Peterson was the South Carolina Wing Commander from March 2021 - March 2024. As a former Cadet, Peterson has a unique perspective of CAP in general standing by his motto to give the cadets leadership opportunities and allow them to fail in a safe and constructive environment to guide and amplify learning. Peterson is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Designated Pilot Examiner evaluating pilot applicants in the Charleston, SC area. When he is not working or doing CAP, Peterson enjoys flight instruction, spending time with his family, kayaking and fishing. |
Col Michael Cook Joined Civil Air Patrol in 2000. He has served at the Squadron, Group, Wing, and National level, including assignments as Squadron Commander, Wing Vice Commander, and Wing Commander. He is currently attached to Gainesville Composite Squadron SER-FL-142, where he serves as an Advisor to the Commander. Since 2018, he has been ADY to National Headquarters, Cadet Programs, where he served as the Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Chairman. He holds Master Ratings in Flight Operations, Emergency Services, and Operations and has a Senior Pilot Rating. His awards include the Distinguished Service Award, The Certificate for Life Saving, Multiple awards for Exceptional Service, Meritorious Service, and Commanders Commendations. Col Cook retired from the U.S. Navy in 1984 and then went to work for, and retired from, a major defense contractor. He currently resides in Gainesville, FL.
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Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Member Lt Col Mark Bailey is a former Cadet and a graduate of what is now referred to as the Johnson Flight Academy. Lt Col Bailey is currently the SC Wing Director of Operations and has 25 years as Director of Operations experience in three separate Wings. He has supported 34 Flight Academies, serving in every program capacity to include as a Director for 13 Academies and served on the founding panel that created the Cadet Wings program. Lt Col Bailey is a retired Air Force officer and currently supports the National Guard Bureau in a civilian capacity. |
Maj Brad Berger Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Member Maj Brad Berger earned his wings as a Cadet in the early eighties with the Wenatchee (now Pangborn) Composite Squadron. He is a Check Pilot and Instructor Pilot for WAWG and regularly instructs at the Desert Eagle National Flight Academy. He is an independent Instrument and Multi-engine instructor and is a Captain with Kenmore Air Express. |
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Maj Edward Chmiel Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Member Maj Edward "Ed" Chmiel joined CAP as a cadet in 2013. He soloed at Johnson Flight Academy in 2014, continued his flight training, and completed his CFI/CFII while still a cadet. When not flying trips as a 737 First Officer for United Airlines, Maj Chmiel is a CAP Instructor, teaches at a National Flight Academy, and flies warbirds with the Red Star Pilots Association. |
Capt Sara Fishbein Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Member |
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Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Member Joining New Jersey Wing as a cadet in 2005, Lt Col Robin Kim earned the Earhart Award before becoming a Senior Member. He is a Check Pilot Examiner for CAWG and a regular instructor at National Flight Academies. Lt Col Kim is a pilot for Alaska Airlines. |
Youth Aviation Initiative Panel Member Lt Col Al Van Lengen joined Civil Air Patrol in 2004 and has held positions as Squadron Commander, GA Wing Chief of Staff and DCS for Operations for Southeast Region. He currently serves as Check Pilot Examiner and ADO for Southeast Region. Lt Col Van Lengen is retired from the U.S. Army after 25 years of Active Service. He has been a chief Instructor at a FAA Part 141 Major Flight School. He recently retired from the FAA as a General Aviation Operations Safety Inspector. He enjoys flight instruction, flying and hunting and fishing. |
