Five New Jersey Cadets Advance Aviation Dreams at Civil Air Patrol's Falcon Flight Academy
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (July 17, 2026) — Five New Jersey Civil Air Patrol cadets are taking significant steps toward earning their private pilot certificates as students at a Civil Air Patrol's National Flight Academy, held July 10-19.
Hosted by Civil Air Patrol's New Jersey Wing in partnership with Ocean County Airport, the academy brought together 14 cadets from across the country for an intensive week of flight instruction, ground school and leadership development. The New Jersey cadets participating were C/2d Lt. Gabriella Couvertier, Ewing; C/1st Lt. Joseph Emma, Parlin; C/Capt. Riddhi Patel, Jersey City; C/Maj. Adrian Chaberek, Hillsborough; and C/Maj. Sahas Patil, Landing.
"These five cadets represent the future of aviation in New Jersey," said Col. Amy Myzie, commander of Civil Air Patrol's New Jersey Wing. "Falcon Flight Academy provides an unparalleled opportunity for young people to develop their flying skills while strengthening the leadership, discipline and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives. We are proud to host this national academy and even prouder to see our New Jersey cadets making the most of this extraordinary opportunity."
Each day, cadets traveled from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to Ocean County Airport, where they received one-on-one flight instruction from FAA-certified flight instructors while also completing classroom ground school. The demanding schedule allowed students to accumulate valuable flight hours while preparing for future private pilot certification.
"Watching these cadets grow over the course of the academy is one of the most rewarding parts of this program," said Maj. Robert McClellan, New Jersey Wing Falcon Flight Academy director. "They arrive with a passion for aviation, and they leave with stronger flying skills, greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes with being a pilot."
For Couvertier, the academy has been both challenging and inspiring.
"Every flight has taught me something new, not only about flying but also about myself," she said. "The instructors have pushed me to become a more confident pilot, and I've learned from every member of our class. This experience has strengthened my goal of earning my private pilot certificate and pursuing a future in aviation."
The academy concludes with a graduation ceremony on July 19 recognizing each cadet's accomplishments. Throughout the week, students logged valuable flight time toward their private pilot certificate requirements while building friendships and leadership skills that will last well beyond the academy.
Falcon Flight Academy is one of Civil Air Patrol's premier National Cadet Special Activities, providing aspiring aviators with intensive flight training while advancing CAP's missions of aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
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For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
