Beginning in 2006, the Oliver municipal airport has been a unique resource for the Air Cadet Flying program.
“Without it the Air Cadet pilots living in Oliver 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).
The Oliver airport welcomes the cadets and staff from the Cadet Gliding Program each spring and fall to conduct approximately 400 gliding flights for local cadets.
The cadet pilots spend these weekends conducting familiarization flights for the Oliver cadet Squadrons. Oliver Municipal 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 March 28.
Captain Clark Davidsen, RCAOps Standards Officer says, “Many of the cadet pilots flying out of Oliver Airport aspire to a military or civilian career in aviation. Having the opportunity to fly at the Oliver Airport in the spring and fall seasons is an important step in that direction. 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 Shael Huska 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 Oliver area from above and I don’t have to travel far every weekend to keep up my flying skills.”
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a national co-educational youth organization sponsored by the Canadian Forces in partnership with the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada.
In British Columbia there are approximately 3,700 Air Cadets enrolled in 57 Squadrons. 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.
The goals of the Air Cadet program are to develop in our youth the attributes of strong citizenship and leadership skills, to promote physical fitness, and to stimulate an interest in the air activities of the Canadian Forces.
The cadet program is open to youths from 12-18 years of age, and is well represented in British Columbia.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
