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Optional Training  /  Aviation
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Aviation

image collageAir Cadets offers a comprehensive program for youth interested in aviation. Cadets will learn basic aviation topics during the Air Cadet Level Program on Friday nights, as well as be able to attend gliding activities on weekends.
 

After a year or two, cadets will be able to take basic aviation-focused summer courses as well as the Squadron’s Pilot Ground School Course.
 
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 6-week aviation-focused courses. Every year, 2 - 7 cadets from 180 Sqn receive their Glider and Private Pilot Licences during the summer.

Gliding Familiarization

The Squadron normally has four gliding sessions during the training year. These are open to all cadets in the Sqn, with priority for new cadets, and those who have never gone gliding. Held at the Central Ontario Gliding Centre (COGC) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, cadets have the chance for a ride with a qualified pilot in Schweizer SGS 2-33A gliders or Bellanca Scout towplanes.

Pilot Ground School

Cadets interested in aviation are encouraged to take 180 Squadron’s Pilot Ground School course (PGS). 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 Wednesday nights virtually from 18:30 to 21:30, from September to December. Registration is at the first class.
 
Cadets who already hold a Glider Pilot Licence, and wish to apply for PPS, are exempt from taking most of the classes, but must still register with the Pilot Ground School instructor.
 
Cadets wishing to attend this course must be at least 14 years old as of the first class.
 
Topics Covered:
  • Theory of Flight
  • Air Law
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation
  • Radio
  • Engines (PPS applicants only)
Costs:
  • GPS/PPS applicants must acquire the "From the Ground Up (29th Edition)"  textbook, which normally sells for $80.  More information is provided on the first class.

Glider Pilot Scholarship (GPS)

Cadets who successfully complete the national course application process, meet the prerequisites, and get selected for the scholarship 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.
 
Prerequisites:
  • Must be in the Squadron for at least 2 years (Level 3 completed)
  • Must complete the 180 Sqn Pilot Ground School course
  • Must be selected by the Squadron to apply for the scholarship
  • Must not have any Transport Canada pilot licence
  • Must be at least 16 years old by 1 Sep of the course year
  • Must be able to get a Transport Canada Category 3 Medical Certificate
  • Must get at least 50% on the qualifying exam
  • Height Limits: 155 cm min, 190 cm max
  • Weight Limits: 40 kg min, 90 kg max

Power Pilot Scholarship (PPS)

Cadets who successfully complete the national course application process, meet the prerequisites, and get selected for the scholarship will then 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.
 
Prerequisites:
  • Must be in the Squadron for at least 3 years (Level 4 completed)
  • Must complete the 180 Squadron Pilot Ground School course
  • Must be selected by the Squadron to apply for the scholarship
  • Must be at least 17 years old by 1 Sep of the course year
  • Must be able to get a Transport Canada Category 3 Medical Certificate
  • Must get at least 50% on the qualifying exam
  • Weight Limit: 110 kg max

Ground School Lectures