The Last Word: The Pilot Behind TWU’s ‘Air Cindy’ Flight Simulator on Mastering the Airplane

Cindy Weber, who's landed in all 50 states and a half dozen countries, offers advice as TWU's pioneering woman-focused aviation program doubles enrollment.

“Master the simulator, and you’ll master the airplane.”

Cindy Green Weber
Texas Woman’s University alumna, veteran private pilot, and donor of TWU’s flight simulator
offering advice to aviation students at the grand opening of the new home for TWU’s Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences on November 21.

Texas Woman’s University cut the ribbon on its expanded Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences late last month, unveiling the program’s first on-campus flight simulator—dubbed “Air Cindy” in honor of donor Cindy Green Weber.

Weber, a TWU alumna and veteran private pilot who has landed in all fifty states and a half dozen countries, provided the family gift that funded the simulator’s purchase and ongoing maintenance.

Her advice to students during the celebration drew from years of experience, sometimes flying solo in a single propeller aircraft: “Take advantage of your training and take charge of your careers, especially when you’re the only girl in the room. Be knowledgeable and be in control.”

The aviation school itself was made possible by a $15 million founding gift from the Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell Foundation—one of the largest in TWU history. Chancellor Carine Feyten called the partnership with the Doswell Foundation “something that was meant to be—a spark that ignited a flame of vision and courage.”

Leadership from TWU and the Doswell Foundation at the ribbon cutting for the expanded Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences. From left: Director J. Clinton Grant, foundation CEO Beverly Fricke, board members Rita Mills, Stephanie Woods, and Stephen Rodrick, with Chancellor Carine M. Feyten and donor Cindy Weber. The aviation program was made possible by a $15 million founding gift from the foundation. [Photo: Texas Woman's University]

Leadership from TWU and the Doswell Foundation at the ribbon cutting for the expanded Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences. From left: Director J. Clinton Grant, foundation CEO Beverly Fricke, board members Rita Mills, Stephanie Woods, and Stephen Rodrick, with Chancellor Carine M. Feyten and donor Cindy Weber. [Photo: Texas Woman’s University]

Beverly Fricke, president of the Doswell Foundation, described the aviation school as “a dream come true for TWU students.” The program is the first aviation program in the nation based at a woman-focused university, according to the school.

Since its fall 2024 debut, TWU says the Doswell School has doubled its enrollment, with women making up about 75 percent of the student body. TWU recently opened the TWU Flight Center at Denton Enterprise Airport and says it plans to add a second degree track in aviation operations next year.

TWU said information sessions for prospective aviation students will be held Friday, December 13, and Friday, January 10, 2026. 

For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.


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