Licence to fly is but one benefit of joining a cadet program

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By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff

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A Moncton air cadet's emotions are soaring after recently earning his wings.

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Mathieu-Martin student Pierre Gautreau, 16, earned his wings this summer after completing his glider scholarship course during cadet summer camp in Debert, N.S.

Cadet Flight Sgt. Pierre Gautreau, 16, of 650 Vanier Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, earned his wings after completing his glider scholarship course during cadet summer camp in Debert, N.S.

The Mathieu-Martin High School student spent six weeks learning to fly the Schweizer 2-33A glider. That earned him his glider wings and a Transport Canada glider licence during the final Wings Graduation Parade in Fredericton last weekend.

"The freedom of flying is a privilege I am proud to share with fellow pilots," Gautreau said.

"My first solo flight was, without a doubt, the best moment of my life. The thrill of being alone in an aircraft for the first time was amazing. The world of aviation also opens doors to a lot of opportunities, such as further careers," Gautreau said.

Student pilots train arduously to earn their wings, says Capt. Bernard Gallant, Commanding Officer of 650 Vanier Squadron.

"Young men and women like Pierre work extremely hard to accomplish these great achievements of receiving their wings," Gallant said.

This past summer, hundreds of cadets from around the province were active in a number of summer camps.

Metro Moncton cadets spent from two to seven weeks at a variety of camps, ranging from basic training to survival instructor training, senior leadership and power flight.

New cadets are always welcome. 650 Vanier meets in Moncton's military base gym, just off Capital Street, which is north of St. George Street near Vaughan Harvey Boulevard.

Their regular training nights are on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can contact them at 856-9714. The squadron also features an award-winning marching band, made up of cadets.

Cadets, who range in age from 12 to 18, are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They learn valuable life and work skills like teamwork, leadership and citizenship. Cadets also reap the personal benefits of increased self-confidence and physical fitness, learning how to take initiative and how to make decisions.

There are no registration fees, dues or costs for the uniforms or for the basic cadet program. Cadets and parents are, however, encouraged to participate in fundraising.

Cadets are not part of the Canadian Forces, nor is there any expectation for them to join the military.

Cadets participate in training on a weekly basis during the regular school year, usually one night per week, with optional weekend training depending on their interests.

There are a total of 24 cadet summer training centres located across Canada where cadets can enjoy extra training during the summer school break. The courses can last anywhere from a few days to almost the entire summer.