The Royal Canadian Air Cadet program offers a comprehensive program for youth interested in aviation. Cadets will learn basic aviation topics as part of the Air Cadet level program during regular training nights, and all cadets are given the opportunity to attend gliding weekends in the spring and fall, at Markham Airport.
After their first year in the program, cadets can take part in aviation-focused summer training as well as locally-run Ground School. Dedicated senior cadets who meet the prerequisites and pass the application process will be able to get their Transport Canada Glider Pilot and/or Private Pilot Licences or attend advanced aviation-focused courses.
Ground School
Cadets interested in aviation are encouraged to take part in Ground School. This course is mandatory for cadets applying for the Glider or Power Pilot Scholarships, and covers a wide range of aviation-topics geared towards passing the Flying Scholarship qualifying exam. The course takes place on Sundays at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 345, from September to December. In addition to the training, cadets will have a chance to go to a commercial Air Canada simulator (at the Air Canada Simulator Training Centre). Cadets wishing to attend this course must be at least 14 years old as of the first class.
Cadets who successfully complete the national course application process, meet the prerequisites and get selected will then be put onto a 6-week summer course held near CFB Trenton or in another province. On the course, cadets will undergo an intensive flight and ground school program in order to safely operate the SGS 2-33 glider. Cadets must successfully complete a written and flight test. By the end of the course, successful students will receive a Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence and the Air Cadet Glider Pilot wings.
Cadets who successfully complete the national course application process for the Power Pilot Scholarship, meet the prerequisites, and get selected for the scholarship will be put onto a 7-week summer course held at various flight training centres around Ontario. On the course, cadets will undergo an intensive flight and ground school program in order to safely operate a single-engine airplane. Cadets must successfully complete a written and flight test. By the end of the course, successful students will receive a Transport Canada Private Pilot Licence and the Air Cadet Power Pilot wings.