since i was a kid, i wanted to become a fighter pilot. I know, just like any other kids.... It's been 7+ years and counting i have had a passion for aviation. I have spent countless hours on simulation games. I am now coming up to the part of my life where i need to make a choice for my career. I hear people say all the time: i regret it so much, I didn't follow my dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. I don't want this to happen to me. I am in secondary 4 in highschool in Quebec and i have to make a college choice for next year. What is the best career path for someone looking forward to becoming an officer/pilot in the RCAF? Any tips? Anyways I am thinking about joining the cadets in the next days. I have taken in consideration the royal military college in Kingston. Thanks in advance for all of the helpfull answers!
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement on the occasion of the sixth annual Air Force Appreciation Day on Parliament Hill.
“Today is ‘Air Force Appreciation Day’. Please join my fellow parliamentarians and me as we pay tribute to the outstanding contributions made by the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force as they defend Canada and Canadians, and promote freedom around the world.
Our exceptional Royal Canadian Air Force team consists of more than 15,000 Regular and Reserve Force personnel and 2,100 civilian employees. At any one time, thousands of our members are engaged in domestic or international operations.
In the past year, these highly-trained and motivated people have demonstrated their high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication. They served across the country and around the world, often deploying on extremely short notice. Whether patrolling our waters, performing search and rescue missions, providing emergency assistance to Canadians during wildfires and floods, or working with our allies to bring peace and security to the citizens of Afghanistan and Libya, our Air Force members consistently showed bravery, skill and determination.
The effects of the commitment and dedication of the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force are far reaching. It is with tremendous respect that I say ‘thank you’, on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians.”
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement on the occasion of the Air Force Appreciation Day on Parliament Hill:
“Our government is supporting the Royal Canadian Air Force with the new equipment they need to protect our country’s interests at home and abroad. I am honoured and humbled to help recognize our brave men and women for their commitment and duty in service to their country.
“Since 2006, we have committed billions of dollars in additional support to the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence for renewing and modernizing the Royal Canadian Air Forces’ equipment.
“Some of our investments to renew and strengthen the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force to build a first-class, modern air force that is trained, equipped and prepared to confront the challenges to our values and way of life well into the future include our delivery of:
17 CC-130J Hercules tactical airlift aircraft that are expected to be delivered ahead of schedule;
15 CH-147 F-model medium-to-heavy lift transport helicopters, the first arrival of which is expected later this year; and
4 CC-177 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft completed in 2008.
Our government’s investments in the Canadian Forces have resulted in substantive improvements, but more work remains to be done. Some of the Government of Canada’s ongoing priorities for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fleets include:
Ongoing work with Canadian industry to advance our priority of delivering new Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft in a responsible fashion;
Establishing a new Secretariat and implementing a seven step plan to coordinate a future decision to replace our aging CF-18 fleet in the early 2020s; and
Continuing our work to acquire CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters announced in 2004.
“I am pleased that the Air Force Association of Canada is hosting this event today in recognition of our Air Force members who put themselves in harms way to defend peace, security and human rights of others. We are indebted to the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force who defend Canadian airspace, fly search and rescue missions that save lives, provide relief during national and international disasters like floods or ice storms or earthquakes, and contribute to Canada's missions abroad.
“It is only right that we provide them with the right equipment to do their jobs. Canadians expect no less”.
Toronto's "TheStar" publishes details including JRCC recordings with info received from the 'Access to Information Act' about the northern mission in which Sar Tech Sgt Janick Gilbert lost his life.
How did search-and-rescue mission to Igloolik go wrong? Published On Fri Apr 20 2012 Bruce Campion-SmithOttawa Bureau chief
and proud to be! 