Saturday, Sept. 23 saw the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, 858 Skookumchuk Squadron (Sunshine Coast), host their second annual All About Flight open house at Sechelt Airport. Promoting careers in aviation, showcasing their skills in shelter and fire building, first aid, compassing and even showing the Disney Planes movie in their movie tent, the attending cadets were delighted to speak to kids and parents about the cadet program and their achievements in it.
Approximately 200 people came out to enjoy the day. As well, BCIT staff were on site to speak about their aviation programs to interested youth and families. The Remote Control Club showcased some of their fleet and held a draw for a remote control plane, donated by West Turnbull of Pit Stop Remote Control Shop in Langley.
Members of the Recreational Aircraft Association and Elphinstone Aero Club were present to assist and to showcase their aircraft. A truly historic event occurred when Bruce Dignem flew in to the airport in his CF-DPG Fleet 80 (Canuck), which was the first plane to land at Sechelt Airport almost 60 years ago to the day, Oct. 1, 1957.
The cadets are welcome at the airport and utilize it to further their aviation experiences. They offer a Ground School Study Group there as well as using the airport for outdoor exercises.
A raffle was held with prizes donated by Harbour Air, FLY! Air Taxi and the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley. Garret Mack, base manager of Blackcomb Helicopters, with son Rogan, displayed their new EC-135 helicopter – a spectacular unit used in emergency work. Youth aged 11 to 15 entered a draw to win a helicopter ride with Airspan Helicopters. The four young winners flew out at 2:30 p.m. with pilot Jason Leslie and were very excited about this opportunity.
Joining Air Cadets is a great opportunity to learn about aviation, enhance personal leadership, learn new techniques in many areas and develop a career path. Cadets meet Wednesdays at Davis Bay Elementary School. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Interested youth can attend to see if becoming an Air Cadet is the direction they would like to take. Squadron commanding officer is Lt. David Douglas and sponsoring committee chair is Mrs. Trish Scott. For more information, please email: [email protected] or call 604-740-2317.
– Submitted by Joan Thibault
