‘Pilot for a Day’ at NAS-Kingsville
Naval Air Station Kingsville
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (News Release) - Christofer Aguilar, 11, was the ‘Pilot for a Day’ on Feb. 29, hosted by VT-21. Lt. Alexander ‘Shrimp’ Horton was the escort, getting Christofer equipped with his custom flight suit and explaining the characteristics of the T-45C Goshawk aircraft.
Christofer Aguilar, 11 with Lt. Alexander ‘Shrimp’ Horton. Photo courtesy of NAS Kingsville.
The "Pilot-for-a-Day" program is to benefit children and their families in the local community who have catastrophic illnesses. It is not directed at any one illness of disease, and not restricted to children with "terminal" illnesses.
For many children with catastrophic, but not "terminal" illnesses, the Pilot for a Day Program can be a significant part of their recovery.
NASK Fire Department showed Christofer and family the firefighting capabilities and a trip to the runway brought up close looks at airfield signals and aircraft taking off and landing.
After lunch, Christofer got to ‘fly’ the simulators and was named an Honorary Navy Pilot by Cmdr. William Rietveld, VT-21 commanding officer.