Local Cadet gets his Pilot Wings

This summer has been one of adventure and adrenaline for Sgt. Ben Samson. His dream has been to fly, and now he can, thanks to the pilot program offered through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the Air Cadet League of Canada. Ben competed for and was awarded a scholarship for the seven-week intensive training program, which took place at CFB Greenwood and the Greenwood Flight Centre Training School.

The Manager of the Greenwood Flight Centre said, “The program is very intensive as cadets are required to complete a training course which would normally take six months in a seven week training session.” The cost of the training program and accommodations are covered by the scholarship, which can range upwards of $20,000 per Cadet in the program.

The Cadet program provides opportunities for all participants to learn leadership skills, self-control and self-worth. It allows cadets to explore practical sciences depending on the cadet branch that is involved, and to experience new places and people. Cadets have the opportunity to go on civic trips and entertain troops from other areas. They are exposed to orienteering, outdoor preparedness, first aid, and other skill sets.

As a group Cadets learn division of labour and team effort, they also learn that fun happens in large groups, and that groups can encompass cadets from across the country. The summer camps that happen each summer throughout the country offer training in Survival Techniques, Leadership skills, Physical Education, Rifle Marksmanship, Band musicianship, Air Traffic and Airport Management, and of coarse flying both gliders and single engine planes.