Cadet Josiah Baran of Summerland was able to spend his summer at the Regional Gliding School (Pacific) in the advanced aviation course.
Baran, a member of 902 Summerland Squadron, was one of 26 Air Cadets from across British Columbia selected.
Cadets who complete the course become eligible for instructor and team leader positions within the air cadet program.
Throughout the summer, cadets take advanced courses in radio communication, principles of flight and propulsion, airmanship, meteorology, air navigation and instructional techniques.
They are also given the opportunity to tour the Comox Terminal Air Traffic Control Unit and 442 Search and Rescue Squadron.
The course is designed to inspire cadets to further pursue specialized aviation training while providing the skill and subject matter necessary to be accepted into advanced aviation courses such as the Glider Pilot Scholarship Course.
“My favourite part of this course was all the flying, especially in the gliders,” Baran said. “It has inspired me to apply for the Glider Pilot Scholarship course next summer.”
Lt. Col. Keith Steward, commanding officer of the school, said the course is a beginning for cadets who want to pursue an aviation career.
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a national co-educational youth organization sponsored in partnership by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada.
In British Columbia there are around 3,700 air cadets enrolled in 57 squadrons.
Those interested in joining the Summerland squadron are asked to contact the 902 Summerland Squadron at 250-494-7988.
The squadron meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Howard Simpson Memorial Youth Centre, 911 Peach Orchard Rd., Summerland, starting Sept. 16.
