SUMMERSTOWN, Ontario – The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Association presented Barry Franklin, Regional Director for Wing Five of the Air Cadets a $15,106 cheque for bursaries for student pilots on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Every summer Air Cadets have the opportunity to get their pilots license through a six week course. The most accomplished students have the opportunity to be awarded a $2,500 bursary that can go either towards their academic studies or for furthering their career in aviation.
There are roughly 60 pilot graduates in Ontario annually; last year there was one graduate from the Air Cadet squadron in Cornwall and one from the squadron in Alexandria.
“Programs like the pilot program teaches the cadets leadership qualities, discipline, and how to monitor weather habits,” said Bob DiMillo, President of the Ontario Group of the RCAF Association.
DiMillo pointed out that there was a rapidly growing need for pilots, with 1,000 to 1,500 commercial pilots needed in the next few years, as well as about 900 pilots needed for the RCAF.
