ACTON – Three Air Cadets from 197 Typhoon Squadron in Acton recently earned their pilot wings as part of the Air Cadet Flight scholarship program.
Flight Sergeant Mark Crha, 17 and Flt. Sgt. William Richards, 17, both Rockwood residents, earned their power pilot wings after an intensive seven-week course consisting of both ground and flight training, Transport Canada written exams and a final Transport Canada flight test. This training qualified each cadet Pilot for their Transport Canada Private Pilot License.
Crha also won Top Overall Power Pilot Scholarship for Central Region, was one of only 10 national recipients of the Air Force Association of Canada Medal and won Top Student Pilot for Central Region. Durham Flight Centre awarded Crha with their Top Power Pilot, Top Academic Achievement and Top Flight Test Achievement awards.
Sgt. Ellen Dobbs, 16 of Acton earned her glider pilot wings at a six-week course at St Jean Sur Richeleau, Quebec. This qualifies her for her Transport Canada Glider license. Dobbs was one of six central region cadets who were selected to undergo training in eastern region.
Captain Kati Nuttall, commanding officer of 197 Squadron said, “The effort that all of our cadets and staff put into our program in so many different aspects always amazes me, and these three cadets are certainly no exception. They work hard for this from the time they start cadets and I am so proud of their accomplishments. They are to be commended, not only for this accomplishment but also on the example that they bring to our youth today, showing them what they can achieve with focus and dedication.
“We are also fortunate that we have an officer who is also a private pilot from right here in Acton, Officer Cadet Richard Dobbs, who works tirelessly with these cadets to prepare them for this opportunity. Congratulations to you all”
To be selected for the national summer courses, each cadet had to go through a highly competitive selection program consisting of a written qualifying exam, a written narrative, an in person interview and ranking by the Air Cadet League of Canada based on achievements in the cadet program and school marks.
In preparation for the qualifying exam cadets attend a 15-week flying scholarship program at 197 squadron. The flight scholarship program is supported by the Air Cadet League of Canada and the Department of National Defense.
The 197 Squadron parades at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 197 in Acton on Tuesday evenings and the program is open to all local youth from the ages of 12-18. For further details about the Air Cadet program, contact 197 Squadron.
The Wellington Advertiser, Vol 46 Issue 41