On June 13, 11 cadets of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 904 Kootenai Squadron went familiarization flying from the Creston Valley Airport.
The aircraft flown by Maj. Kevin DeBiasio of Regional Cadet Air Operations (Pacific) was a Cessna 172 provided by the Trail Flying Club and paid for by the local squadron sponsoring committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada’s British Columbia committee.
Before the flight, the cadets received a briefing on the aircraft, navigation and flight safety. Once in the air, the cadets flew north on Kootenay Lake and returned to Creston. The cadet in the front seat had a chance to fly the aircraft after a demonstration on the aircraft controls.
The cadets have now completed their training for the year and will start a new training year in September. Over the summer, selected cadets will be attending training courses at cadet training centres located in Vernon, Victoria and Comox, as well as other locations across the country.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets, in partnership with the Air Cadet League of Canada and the Department of National Defence, has been training youth in Canada for over 70 years. The cadets are the largest government funded youth program in Canada, with over 50,000 participants across Canada.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets accepts youth between the ages of 12-18 who have a desire to learn more about the air element of the Canadian Forces, wish to develop the attributes of leadership and good citizenship and who wish to promote physical fitness. While the program is military based, there is no obligation for a cadet to join the Canadian Armed Forces when he or she finishes their cadet career. Cadets are also encouraged to learn more about opportunities within Canada’s aviation industry.
—ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS