Errol Severe was born to fly.
In 1994, God asked this former Delta Airlines pilot and military man to manifest that passion as Aviation Cadet World in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It’s a calling he takes seriously.
He and his wife, Beth, have since dedicated their lives to building an experience that exemplifies the best of American flight. The nonprofit group is supported by visitors and donors like you who believe it is important to celebrate this country’s accomplishments in the air.
“This will not be a dry museum; rather it will be a living experience,” said Errol. “It will be a place where everyone can come, and for a brief moment in history, become a cadet. You will even be able to fly your own simulator. In short, a place where every man, woman and child can travel back in time to the glory days of the Cadet Corps,”
Aviation Cadet World is a sprawling property nestled in the Ozarks Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. In addition to numerous attractions, it boasts Silver Wings Field, a working runway for private aircrafts.
Errol said one of his greatest pleasures is seeing a former airman connect with the jets and other aircraft, remembering their time in the air. He also finds it rewarding when children are inspired and made curious to learn more about flying from what they experience at Aviation Cadet World.
The Severes
Errol Severe is an author, pilot and patriot. He was raised in the northeast and learned to work with his hands from an early age with his father who was a carpenter.
He graduated from the USAF Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program at Vance Air Force Base in 1961 in class 61-E. He flew KC-97 tankers on active duty. In 1963, he was hired by Delta Airlines as a pilot. He retired in 1985. He and his wife organized the first Flying/Aviation Cadet reunion on Kelly Air Force Base in 1997 with 1,000 in attendance.
He is the author of The Last of a Breed, a book that details the grueling training and heroic exploits of the aviation cadets.
Errol is the president and founder of Aviation Cadet World.
Beth Severe is a songwriter, performer and excellent chef. She runs Brigadoon, the three-story bed and breakfast located close to Silver Wings Field.
Beth attended Oklahoma University School of Nursing and Springfield School of Nursing. She has produced two albums that have seen world-wide distribution. She also wrote the script and score for the musical drama Angel Talk.
Beth is the author of I Wanna Fly (Illustrated by Brad Whitewolf), which details the adventure of eight-year-old Bryan Trueflight who wants to fly “more ‘n anythin’.”
She is chief financial officer and secretary for Aviation Cadet World.
Beth’s Music
A selection from a broadway musical. One of 12 songs written for that production.
I have been to the Aviation Cadet World Field and Museum a number of times and greatly enjoyed staying at Brigadoon. This complex along with the Silver Wings Airfield is a wonderful destination for those wanting to share in the patriotic history of the Aviation Cadet. It is just great to experience.
As the President of a National Military association (the Air Force Navigators Observers Association http://www.afnoa.org ) I recommend all that can, go to Aviation Cadet World. Plan on spending a full day, or two easy days because there are famous aircraft to get into. It is the only place in the world where one can get into a F-105 F/G Wild Weasel. And for us Navigators, the only place where one can get in to a T-29 Nav-station! This place is out standing.
This is the ONLY Military type Museum in the world dedicated to the Aviation Cadet (brings to mind famous Cadets like Lindbergh, SAC’s General LeMay to name a few). Most of all of the crews of WWII were Aviation Cadets! Army, Navy and Air Force. Most of all of the Cold War Warrior flight crews were also Aviation Cadets! Almost half a million US military flight crew members.
Call Errol Severe ahead, and drive or fly in! You just can not have more fun than that!
DR Ahead, Ron Barrett, USAF Ret Navigator/Bombardier and long ago;Aviation Cadet
I was assigned to Nav. class 59-17N. When I took the testing for the Cadet Program in Los Angeles, Calif., I was assured that it would be for pilot training only. When I arrived at Lackland I was informed differently. I tried to resign, but that was not allowed for at least two weeks. I srayed for my roommate He flunked the final test.. I finished all of my training and passed the last test in preflight before going my Nav. training base. My right eye had been badly strained during preflight and I would be unable to pursue pilot training within the U.S.A.F. I filed an Self Initiated Elimination Letter and was released from the U.S.A.F. I had previously been in the Calif. National Guard and served six months of active service. Upon return to L.A., I returned to that E5 position. I was informed upon depature from Lackland AFB that I was on call for the rest of my life to be a 2nd. Lt. should it be neccessary. That was because I had passed the O.C.S. portion of the training, but I was never allowed to receive a formal commission. I am probably the only person in the U.S. that successfully completed their preflight O.C.S. training and remains uncommissioned to this day. Keep up the good work and I hope to see the museum one day soon. Yours truely Lloyd R. Bavenport
We are planning to honeymoon in Eureka Springs Feb 15 to 18. Will you be open at that time. My spouse was a bush pilot in Africa and I think she would enjoy this. Please let me know so I can complete our itinerary. Earl