Following Her Father’s Legacy, 1st Lt. Kaci Leonard Earns Her CAP Wings
The Massachusetts Wing welcomed 1st Lt. Kaci Leonard into the ranks of its pilots recently. Leonard is currently the only active women pilot in the Wing and the youngest at 22 years old.
“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to fly for CAP,” she said. “I want to fly for CAP to serve my community through vital missions like search and rescue, disaster relief, and emergency response. It’s a chance to combine my passion for aviation with a commitment to service and inspire the next generation of aviators.”
But, Kaci is not the only CAP pilot in her family. Her father, Maj. Greg Leonard, has served in the Wing for 27 years.
“My dad has been the biggest inspiration in aviation and a constant source of guidance and encouragement,” she said. “He is my mentor and my role model, showing me that perseverance and a love for what you do can turn dreams into reality. My flying journey wouldn’t be the same without his unwavering support and belief in me.”
Becoming a pilot for CAP requires more than a private pilot’s license. Potential pilots need to pass two written tests specific to CAP and pass a flight review. For Leonard, the extra effort was worth it.
“Flying opens up a world of possibilities, teaching discipline, confidence, and problem-solving skills that are invaluable to any career,” she said.
Leonard is currently 1 of 21 current Massachusetts Wing pilots. In CAP, pilots provide orientation flights for cadets, participate in transport missions, or support emergency response.
“The mission of CAP is to support our communities, whether inspiring the next generation of pilots or providing aerial photography during a disaster. Our pilots are a critical component in fulfilling those missions,” said Massachusetts Wing Commander Col. Carleton Jones. “I am proud to have Kaci join the team of our volunteer pilots.”
Leonard has been a long-time member of CAP, joining as a cadet in 2018. She earned her private pilot’s license in 2022 and transitioned to becoming an adult member in 2023. In addition to being a pilot, she currently serves as the assistant wing public affairs officer. Leonard currently attends Bridgewater State University, majoring in aviation science.
For More Information:
Capt. Angela Brees
angela.brees@mawg.cap.gov
