GLIDING AND FLYING

Throughout the spring and fall 296 air cadets participate in familiarization gliding at our regional gliding centre.

Each summer, cadets have the opportunity earn a Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence through the Air Cadet Gliding Scholarship and 250 more earn a Private Pilot licence.

The Air Cadet Gliding Program conducts approximately 60,000 glider flights annually in Schweizer SGS 2-33 and 2-33A gliders. The aircraft fleet used in the gliding program is owned by the Air Cadet League of Canada.

The fleet, consisting of more than 100 gliders and tow planes is maintained by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) under a memorandum of understanding. CAF pilots and Civilian Instructors operate the fleet to train cadets.

Cadets must meet specific requirements to be considered to even begin the flying portion of the program.   This includes age, height and weight requirements ( limited by the gliders and planes available) , time as a cadet.

Cadets selected can then begin the process of extra classes and testing that are the first step on their way to be being a pilot.  Becoming a pilot through cadets is a challenge, but is a viable opportunity if the cadet is sincerely interested.