Submitted
A Ponoka Air Cadet is learning to fly in British Columbia.
Cadet Warrant Officer (WO) Nicholas Greenlees (16) from 65 Ponoka Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS) is learning to fly on the west coast this summer as part of the Cadet program.
He received a scholarship from the Air Cadet League of Canada, which covers all his flying lessons, ground school, accommodation and travel to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, BC.
Greenlees earned his glider pilot licence last summer and his passion for flight shines out of his eyes as he describes his experiences.
“Flying takes control of all your senses and it takes control of all your body,” said Greenlees. “You are using the pedals and the controls whilst looking at instruments and amazing views.”
“The sound is all around you – in gliding you have to listen to the change in the wind. In power it is the engine. After a while it all becomes second nature.”
Greenlees is part of a group of cadets who are housed at Canadian Forces Base Comox and travel each day to their flying lessons, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
By the end of the summer Greenlees expects to have earned his ‘wings’ and a private pilot licence.