COMOX, B.C. - “Beginning in the mid 1970’s Trail Regional Airport has been a unique resource for the Air Cadet Flying Program.
Without it the Air Cadet pilots living in Trail and surrounding areas would not have the opportunities they require to advance their flying training skills in a safe and fun environment.” said Major Robert Allison the Deputy Commanding Officer of Regional Cadet Air Operations (RCAOps).
Trail Regional Airport welcomes the cadets and staff from the Cadet Gliding Program each spring and fall to conduct approximately 90 gliding flights for local cadets.
The cadet pilots spend these weekends conducting familiarization flights for the Trail cadet Squadrons. Trail airport provides the Air Cadet Gliding Program with a central, safe, and reliable location to conduct operations.
This year the spring gliding season will begin on May 22.
“Many of the cadet pilots flying out of Trail Airport aspire to a military or civilian career in aviation. Having the opportunity to fly at Trail Airport in the spring and fall seasons is an important step in that direction,” says Captain Clark Davidsen, RCAOps Standards Officer.
“The cadet pilots make the choice to come to the airport every weekend in order to share flying with younger cadets and better themselves as pilots.”
Cadet Oscar Morrison, says “The chance to take cadets from my Squadron, as well as other Squadrons, gliding in the local area is just amazing. They get the chance to see the Trail area from above and I don’t have to travel far every weekend to keep up my flying skills.”
The BC Ministry of Education, Skills and Training recognizes the cadet program as a “ministry- accepted External Course” for which students may receive graduation credit.