For the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Air Operations include the Air Cadet Gliding
Programme, Power Pilot Scholarships, and familiarization flying. All air operations
are the responsibility of the Region Cadet Air Operations Officer, headquartered
at the Region Cadet Support Unit (Prairie),
which is located in Manitoba.
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The Air Cadet Gliding Program (ACGP) is a fundamental part of the Air Cadet
program in Prairie Region. The ACGP is a year round program consisting of a
Spring and Fall Gliding Familiarization program, the
Region Gliding School (Prairie) and the winter Structural Inspection
and Repair Program (SIRP). The parameters governing all aspects of the ACGP are
published in the A-CR-CCP-242/PT-005 Air Cadet Gliding Program Manual.
The gliders, towplanes, winches, and support vehicles are owned by the provincial committees of
Air Cadet League of Canada. The Department of National Defence has command and control of
the aircraft, and operates the gliding programme on behalf of the Air Cadet League.
The Spring and Fall familiarization program is carried out at the nine
Gliding Centres located throughout Prairie Region. Each Gliding Centre is
dedicated to providing cadets with familiarization flights in gliders owned by
the Provincial Air Cadet Leagues. Gliding Centres also provide an opportunity
for cadets with their Glider Pilot License to gain experience.
The Region Gliding School (RGS), located in Gimli, Manitoba, provides an
opportunity for approximately 65 Air Cadets from throughout Prairie Region to earn their
Transport Canada Glider Pilot License. The RGS commences operation with the
instructor and tow pilot training in mid-June and starts cadet glider pilot
training the first week of July. The glider pilot course is six weeks long.
The Structural Inspection and Repair Program (SIRP) is also conducted at
Gimli from November to the end of March. All the aircraft within the fleet are
rotated through the SIRP on a scheduled basis where they undergo a complete overhaul. This
program extends the fleet's life into the foreseeable future. The aircraft maintenance
facility is also tasked with ensuring that the region's aircraft are maintained and operational.
Flying scholarships are awarded to selected cadets of age 17 or 18, who must complete
qualifying exams and review boards. Flying training is contracted out to flying
clubs and schools across Prairie Region. The course provides a Transport Canada Private
Pilot Licence in a seven-week period during the summer.
Power Familiarization Flying can be organized by the local air cadet unit, or Summer Training Centre,
and must be approved by the Region Cadet Air Operations Officer.
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