For Highland Meadows resident, Wayne Dehn, aviation has always been more than a passion; it is a pathway to purpose.

 

As founder and volunteer chairman of the board for the Aero Cygnet Association, Wayne is helping young people discover opportunities, develop skills, and find a sense of belonging through the world of aviation.

 

The Colorado-based Aero Cygnet Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created with a simple but powerful mission: to inspire, educate, and elevate young people by providing immersive flight experiences, scholarships, vocational training, and hands-on mentorship.

 

"Our mission is to inspire, educate, and elevate young people to achieve greatness by providing immersive flight experiences in general aviation, alongside scholarships for flight training and vocational programs," Wayne said. "We strive to cultivate a new generation of skilled aviators and aviation enthusiasts through hands-on learning and mentorship."

 

Wayne has volunteered with the organization for the past three years, serving as chairman of the board while helping guide its programs and vision. His inspiration for launching Aero Cygnet came from recognizing a need among many young people.

 

"I saw young people who needed a sense of purpose or needed to belong to an organization," he said. "And while many wanted to be involved in aviation, they could not afford the cost or didn't qualify medically. Our program allows those who typically don't qualify to be a pilot or mechanic to join our group."

 

Aero Cygnet works to remove those barriers by offering free ground school courses, vocational training opportunities, and scholarships to support participants pursuing FAA Sport Pilot licenses. One of the organization's most distinctive programs is its Builder Assistance Program, which allows young people to help construct an actual experimental aircraft while learning valuable technical and teamwork skills.

 

The nonprofit also partners with established youth organizations, including Young Eagles and Boys and Girls Clubs, to expand access to aviation experiences. Through exploration flights and mentorship opportunities, participants gain firsthand exposure to aviation careers and recreational flying.

 

For Wayne, volunteering offers rewards beyond the runway. "I can be around aviation and get my own sense of purpose in helping others," he said.

 

The mission is truly a family affair. Wayne’s wife, Lori, and son, Tyler, are both involved with the organization as volunteers, sharing in the commitment to creating opportunities for young people.

 

Wayne and his family moved to the Highland Meadows neighborhood four years ago to be closer to other family members. Among his favorite aspects of the community are "all the dog-loving people," he said.

 

Looking ahead, the Aero Cygnet Association is seeking additional volunteers and supporters. The organization needs individuals willing to help complete the construction of its aircraft, volunteer pilots to provide youth flights, and corporate sponsors to help sustain and grow its programs.

 

Those interested in supporting the mission or becoming involved can learn more at www.aerocygnet.org.

 

By combining aviation with mentorship, education, and service, Wayne Dehn and the Aero Cygnet Association are proving that sometimes the greatest journeys begin on the ground, with someone willing to help young people spread their wings.