Residents near the 19 Wing Comox airfield can expect increased helicopter flying activity beginning at dusk and lasting until the early morning due to student pilot training from July 11 to 17, excluding weekends.
Members of the public can expect to see and hear Cormorant helicopters overhead as student pilots of the Operational Training Flight at 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron conduct the first phases of their night flying training. This training includes prolonged hovering manoeuvres over the airfield.
This type of training is necessary to make these students effective Search and Rescue (SAR) pilots capable of maneuvering their helicopters effectively during a rescue operation.
19 Wing Comox appreciates Comox Valley residents’ understanding and support during this training. Once initial night flying is completed, further training will be conducted in more remote locations.
The Operational Training Flight at 442 Squadron instructs all Cormorant pilots across Canada, in addition to all Cormorant flight engineers.
The CH-149 Cormorant is one of the most powerful and technologically advanced helicopters in the world and aircrew who operate it receive intense, realistic and challenging training to operate it to its fullest capabilities during rescues.
— 19 Wing Comox