Creating a new generation of pilots
The U.S. needs more pilots. A severe pilot shortage has long been looming, exacerbated by early retirements triggered by the pandemic and a mass exodus from the Baby Boomer generation. According to a report by Cowen & Company, by the end of 2026, 42% of the active pilot workforce at the five largest airlines will retire.
Flight academies across the country train Civil Air Patrol cadets, but access to those programs can be limited to those living in Hawai’i. Squadron Commander of Civil Air Patrol and Hawaii Wing Director of Development Captain Darryl Barret Ng says, “Aviation is expensive. Hawaii-based cadets have to fly to the mainland to attend a flight academy. It makes it difficult, if not impossible for them to go.”
Captain Ng has been lobbying for the past two years to bring flight training to the islands and his persistence has paid off. This past March, the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) announced an initiative to empower its cadets in STEM and aviation education. For the first time in its history, the Hawaii Wing has been provided funding for the Hawaii National Distributed Flight Academy, a program designed to provide intensive training to aspiring cadet pilots ages 16 to 20.
Six cadets will be selected to participate in the inaugural program which will equip them with the skills necessary to achieve a powered airplane solo status. The training provided opens the doors to a variety of STEM careers and positions them for scholarships to receive their private pilot license. Gaining a pilot’s license, which normally costs tens of thousands of dollars, now is within reach for local cadets at little to no cost. Captain Ng says, “We want to diversify careers on the islands beyond tourism. Developing the youth with STEM and aviation skills gives them the opportunity for high-paying jobs.”
The Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer organization dedicated to aerospace education and cadet programs. For 70 years, the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol has played a vital role in promoting aviation and STEM excellence and serving communities across the Hawaiian Islands. Captain Ng says the cadet program “is like Boy Scouts on steroids. We focus on STEM, aerospace, and leadership and get to work with equipment from the Air Force like planes and radios.”
Besides education, the Civil Air Patrol also supports emergency services. During the Lahaina fires, Captain Ng flew the first aircraft that took aerial assessment photos for the county, state, and FEMA. Understanding the valuable work pilots do, Captain Ng says, “I really want to get kids interested in aviation. Our whole goal is to create more pilots.”
For more information about the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol and its programs, visit hiwg.cap. gov. ■ Realtor means a member of the National Association of Realtors. Do you know a Realtors Association of Maui member who should be recognized for their contributions to the community? If so, send your story idea to Alma Tassi at abtassi@ gmail.com.