Air cadets from across B.C. and the northern territories will glide in the sky above 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 to 18 the skills to become Transport Canada-licensed glider pilots.
This summer, 45 qualified cadets will attend the Glider Pilot Scholarship Course.
Gliders and tow aircraft will fly 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 tow plane operations will be co-ordinated to minimize impact on civilian air traffic at the Comox Valley Airport, as well as surrounding civilian 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, community involvement and life-long friends.
There are more than 3,300 Air Cadets enrolled in 57 squadrons throughout B.C.
— 19 Wing Comox