From History to Hangar: A Young Aviator’s Journey with the Commemorative Air Force

At Vintage Aviation News, we believe the future of historic aviation depends on the passion and dedication of the next generation. That’s why we were excited to hear from 16-year-old Kaden Vorgity, a young aviator and volunteer with the Commemorative Air Force’s Airbase Georgia. Kaden reached out to share his personal journey—from a childhood sparked by a single flight to hands-on work maintaining and preserving World War II-era aircraft. His story is a reminder that the love of aviation knows no age limit, and that history truly comes alive when young people roll up their sleeves to keep these legends in the air.

By Kaden Vorgity At just 16 years old, I’ve already spent nearly half my life chasing the dream of flight—a journey that began when I was five, sitting in the backseat of my grandpa’s Cessna 172. That short hop in a small airplane sparked a passion that has only grown stronger with time. From that moment on, I wanted to be around airplanes as often as possible, whether it was flying with neighbors, riding along with family friends, or helping with basic maintenance tasks. One summer evening, while flying with a friend, we stopped at a small airport for fuel. As we rolled to a stop, the deep rumble of a big radial engine caught my attention. Parked on the ramp was a striking World War II-era SNJ-4. At the time, I didn’t realize that this aircraft belonged to the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) or that it would soon change the course of my life.

A month later, I attended an airshow where I saw even more vintage military aircraft and learned about the CAF’s mission to preserve and fly historic warbirds. My family and I visited the CAF Airbase Georgia museum, and during the tour, a member invited me to sit in the very SNJ-4 I had seen earlier. Climbing into that cockpit was a defining moment—I knew then that I didn’t just want to be a pilot, I wanted to be a warbird pilot. The next day, I joined the CAF’s Cadet Program, becoming the youngest member of our unit at just 12 years old. My early duties were simple—cleaning aircraft and assisting with minor maintenance—but being surrounded by these living pieces of history and the dedicated volunteers who cared for them was a thrill. Over time, I learned new skills, got involved with restoration projects, and built relationships with experienced aviators and mechanics who generously shared their knowledge.

Eventually, I was given the chance to fly in the unit’s Beechcraft T-34 Mentor. From takeoff to landing, I felt an unshakable connection to the airplane and its history. That flight solidified my commitment to a future in aviation. Although I was too young to begin formal flight training, CAF members encouraged me to prepare for the FAA written exam. Their guidance and mentorship paid off—by the time I became eligible, I passed the exam and had already logged 73 hours in the air thanks to years of flying with friends, family, and CAF members.

Now, I’m beginning my official flight training with the goal of earning my pilot’s license. My dream is to fly professionally as a FedEx cargo pilot while continuing to keep history alive by flying warbirds in my spare time. The Commemorative Air Force has done more than provide me with opportunities—they’ve given me a community, invaluable knowledge, and the confidence to pursue my passion. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, and I hope more young people will discover the joy, challenge, and responsibility of preserving aviation history for future generations. For more information about the CAF Airbase Georgia museum, visit www.airbasegeorgia.org.