Each two-hour familiarization session includes a pre-flight briefing, an inspection of the aircraft, and a description of the cockpit instruments. Usually the flights take three cadets on a triangular route, with each being able to sit up front on one of the legs for a first hand demonstration of the effects of the aircraft controls, radio communications, navigation, and airport traffic procedures are also demonstrated. Cadets receive sign up information for these flights on Mandatory training nights.

Twice a year cadets are given the opportunity to fly in a glider, at Netook Gliding Centre. Flying is one of the most rewarding parts of the Air Cadet program, and every cadet has a chance at getting a Flying or Gliding Scholarship from the Air Cadet League of Canada.

Ground school classes provide cadets with more detailed information about aviation and aeronautics than what is taught in the core program.  Participating in the ground school will help cadets learn everything needed to pass the qualifying exam for the gliding scholarship (and the power scholarship as well).

The gift of flight is an incredible privilege and you have the opportunity to achieve it through the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship program. Cadets 16 to 18 years old have the chance to earn their wings for either power or glider pilot qualifications.

The flying scholarship program is a very challenging and demanding course requiring an extra amount of dedication, effort and self motivation. Preparation for cadets who wish to challenge the DND Flying Qualification Exams is done on Thursday evenings starting in early September and finishing in early January.

Ground School classes provide cadets with more detailed information about aviation and aeronautics than what is taught in the core program. Due to the depth of material to be covered and the time needed to properly cover all subjects, this course is taught separate from the Mandatory Training. This allows these cadets to begin learning the required subjects and better prepares them for writing the qualification exams. Subjects that are covered include, but are not limited to: meteorology, navigation, theory of flight, air regulations, airmanship and aircraft structures. The course material is presented in a enjoyable, yet serious manner, making use of as many different training aids as possible including movies, audio, and guest instructors. Participating in the Ground School Course will help cadets learn everything needed to pass the qualifying exam for the gliding scholarship (and the power scholarship as well).

Ground School classes are scheduled on Sunday evenings at Mewata Armory from 18h30 to 20h30.  The following schedule is a normal course outline, but may be modified if required.

Session  1  – Theory of Flight 1
Session  2  – Theory of Flight 2
Session  3  – Flight Instruments
Session  4  – Engines & Airframes *
Session  5  – Flight Operations 1
Session  6  – Flight Operations 2
Session  7  – Tour **
Session  8  – Canadian Aviation Regulations
Session  9  – Meteorology 1
Session 10  – Meteorology 2
Session 11  – Meteorology 3
Session 12  – Navigation 1
Session 13  – Navigation 2
January ___  –  Review and Study Suggestions
January ___  –  PROVINCIAL EXAM

*Session 4: Engines & Airframes
– held at either the SAIT aircraft maintenance building (The Art Smith Aerocentre) or North Cariboo Air hangar. Both facilities are located in the southeast quadrant of the Calgary International Airport.
**Session 7: Tour
– held at Calgary International Airport, NavCanada A.T.C. facility