COMOX — It’s been an exciting spring break for Cadet Flight Sergeant (FSgt) Wynn Toronitz, 16 of Brentwood Bay and his fellow cadet pilots at the Regional Cadet Air Operations Pacific in Comox.
Located at 19 Wing Comox, the main focus for the Spring Gliding camp is to upgrade their solo glider pilot license to the Front Seat Familiarization rating. This allows them to take a passenger during flights.
Cadets like Toronitz participated in Annual Proficiency Checks (APCs) between March 18 and 27. They made solo flights to build up to the required 10 hours. Once they reach the required time they are evaluated until instructors are fully satisfied of the cadet’s ability to safely fly with a passenger.
Toronitz has also been taking other roles during the training that assist with the overall team effort to get all the cadets in the air. It’s a tough – but rewarding – experience for all involved, especially those that have completed their familiarization rating. Those cadets will continue to the next step which ultimately leads them to be flight instructors.
“The Gliding Program gives a full spectrum of valuable skills to our cadets.,” explained LCol Keith Stewart, Regional Cadet Air Operations Officer. “They learn responsibility, leadership, citizenship, and the importance of team work”.
Toronitz has been a cadet since 2011 and joined to become a pilot.
He is building his hours to get his passenger rating.
“Cadets has taught me a lot about myself and I can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it,” he said.
— www.cadets.ca