On February 19, 2026, WIN Cohort 2026 reached a decisive milestone—the result of months of structured, pre-discharge preparation. WIN operates like mission command: we engage with service members before they separate to ensure they can move into aviation careers without gaps. Many face hurdles—limited time, lack of career guidance, and uncertainty translating military experience into civilian credentials. Without structured support, veterans often delay certification, struggle with documentation, face unnecessary financial strain, and too often never make it into the industry at all.
That’s exactly why WIN builds a repeatable system—clear milestones, accountability, mentorship, and proactive coordination—so candidates don’t hit the common transition traps. Instead of scrambling after separation, cohort members follow a disciplined pathway while they still have structure and support around them. The result is momentum: requirements met on time, documentation handled correctly, and barriers removed before they can become career-ending delays.
Transitioning from military service to civilian aviation can feel like stepping into the unknown. For Cohort 2026, this milestone marked a decisive step forward: every participant received FAA 8610-2 approval—a critical move toward civilian certification and long-term aviation careers. The timeline was tight and the challenge significant, but with structure, mentorship, and determination, the Warriors delivered.
Cohort Warrior Zane shared:
“WIN has opened several doors to career paths that I can take advantage of. They have helped me learn about civilian aviation and take the first steps toward becoming part of the industry. They have shown that they care about service members and veterans and want to see us succeed.”
This proactive support ensures that veterans can hit the ground running — a rare advantage in a sector where most only engage after service.
Over the day, Cohort 2026 toured leading aviation partners, including Clay Lacy Aviation, StandardAero, Atlantic Aviation and the FAA Van Nuys office. They met industry leaders, observed civilian maintenance operations, and gained first-hand insight into career pathways. Each stop reinforced the connection between military training and civilian aviation success.
The P-51 Mustang Hangar offered a tangible link to aviation history and craftsmanship. While secondary to industry partner exposure, it inspired the cohort — it’s just badass to see and touch an aircraft like this in person, a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and tied the legacy of military aviation to their modern career mission.
FAA approvals are more than a milestone — they’re a signal that the mission is on track. WIN’s structured guidance, mentorship, and proactive support ensure that every Warrior moves confidently from service to certification, and from certification to meaningful employment.
“Cohort 2026’s success shows what’s possible when veterans are prepared, mentored, and empowered before they leave the military — laying the foundation for the next generation of aviation professionals.”
We are especially grateful to Video Valet for sponsoring both lunch for the cohort and the full documentation of this initiative. In partnership with VVK Films, who captured the process from start to finish, their support allows us to preserve this model, tell the story with integrity, and pave the path for the next group of Warriors who will follow.
