B.C welcomes federal government’s announcement on Airbus program for new search and rescue aircraft
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, in response to the federal government’s announcement regarding the multi-billion dollar Airbus program for new search and rescue aircraft, said on Thursday in a statement:
“We would like to congratulate Airbus on their success in securing this major contract to build Canada’s new fleet of search and rescue aircraft. This procurement will provide Canadians with 16 new aircraft that are better equipped to perform search and rescue operations across the country and will also have economic and spin-off benefits for years to come.
“We are pleased to hear of Airbus’ plans to locate a flight-training facility and simulator in Comox, B.C. This will provide a tremendous benefit to small businesses and communities in the region. With additional personnel based on Vancouver Island, it will also stimulate job growth and economic activity.
Read full story via Voice Online here
Canada faces impending shortage of aircraft mechanics and pilots
A looming shortage of aircraft mechanics and pilots in Canada will be challenging for the aviation industry in the coming years.
According to the Transport Canada licensing department, 46 per cent of aircraft mechanics are between the ages of 50 and 79 years old.
It’s an aging industry, that isn’t seeing the influx of young people from college programs it will need to keep it going.
“There’s going to be a requirement for around a hundred thousand pilots and a hundred thousand technicians,” Saskatchewan Aviation Council president Janet Keim said.
Read full story via Global News here
COLUMN: YXX’s Parm Sidhu – a homegrown talent
The Abbotsford Airport (YXX) is the gateway to the Fraser Valley where diversity takes off and lands connecting Canadians from around our country.
Half a million passengers use YXX and 2016 is proving to be the strongest year, yet. It seems like whenever I look into the horizon there is a Westjet flight looming in the area.
Having traveled through the airport on many occasions my preference for most of my Canadian travel destination is YXX if the connections can be made. Leading the way is Parm Sidhu, Airport General Manager, who has worked for the city for the past 21 years forecasts a bright future for our growing airport.
Read full story via The Abbotsford News here
Drone pilot program takes flight with two B.C. Search and Rescue teams
Kamloops SAR members prepare to test an infrared drone / Gordon Leary – Facebook
If you find yourself lost in the woods this year it may just be a drone that comes to the rescue.
Search and Rescue teams in Coquitlam, and Kamloops have kicked off a one-year pilot project using the tools that could set a new province-wide policy.
It was 2015 that Coquitlam Search and Rescue wrote to the province asking for the okay to use remote aircraft.
Emergency Management BC Search and Rescue specialist Andrew Morrison says drones offer plenty of upsides to SAR teams.
Read full story via AM 900 here
iWOAW to award prizes, trophies & scholarships at WOAW 2017
The Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW) has announced that it will be distributing at least $15,000 worth of prizes, trophies, and scholarships as part of the 7th annual Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW), which takes place from March 6 to 12, 2017.
Read full story via Skies Magazine here
Jazz and Air Cadet League of Canada Sign Pilot Pathway Agreement
Photo via Bombardier
Jazz Aviation LP (“Jazz”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with the Air Cadet League of Canada (“ACLC”) for the organization to become the tenth partner in the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program (“Jazz APP”).
This agreement includes two new annual national scholarship opportunities for successful graduates of the ACLC Power Flight program, continued funding of the ACLC Power Scholarships program, and ongoing support of the ACLC.
“Strengthening our relationship with the Air Cadet League of Canada to provide a clear career pathway for future professional pilots in their high school years is an important step for our program,” said Steve Linthwaite, Vice President, Flight Operations, Jazz. “Our experience shows that the ACLC provides valuable life skills to a diverse group of young people right across this country. We’re proud to support two of their top air cadets by rewarding their commitment to maintaining high standards of flying, professionalism and discipline.”
Read full story via CNW here
Reliability expected to improve at the Trail airport this winter
Young women learn to lead through Air Cadet experience
Flight Sgt. Breanna Williams with 848 Royal Roads Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets knows what it’s like to be a newcomer.
Having spent a year in Navy League in Dartmouth, N.S., she found herself having to adjust to life on the West Coast and a new cadet group after her father was transferred to B.C. She recalls her initial feelings suiting up with her new squadron mates in Langford and how it was difficult at first to fit in.
“On my first night I looked a little different: I was wearing a different shirt under my tunic and my shoulder flashes said ’18 Dartmouth’ and everyone else’s said 848 Royal Roads,” she said.
