Air Cadets from across British Columbia will be gliding in the skies above 19 Wing, CFB Comox this summer from early July to mid-August.
This training, part of the Regional Gliding School Pacific’s glider and power pilot courses, is designed to give teenagers, aged 16-18, the skills to become Transport Canada-licensed glider pilots. This summer, 44 air cadets will be attending the Glider Pilot Scholarship Course.
Gliders and tow aircraft will be flying at various altitudes in the vicinity of the airport, weather permitting, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. In the event of poor weather, gliding may also take place on some Sundays.
While gliding activities are relatively quiet, residents near the airport should expect to hear single-engine aircraft, used to tow gliders aloft, throughout the day during this period.
Working with 19 Wing Air Traffic Control, glider and tow plane operations will be coordinated to minimize impact on civilian air traffic at the Comox Valley Airport, as well as surrounding residential areas.
The Air Cadet program is a co-educational organization for youth between the ages of 12 and 18, sponsored by the Canadian Forces in partnership with the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada.
The cadet program teaches Canada’s youth to become better citizens and leaders and provides youth with a sense of accomplishment, self-confidence, discipline, and community involvement. There are currently over 3,500 Air Cadets enrolled in 57 squadrons throughout British Columbia.
– Regional Gliding School Pacific