Here is a summary of the flying training plan for this training year:

FLYING TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS

The air cadet program supports two flying scholarship programs, funded entirely by DND and program stakeholders (it’s free!):

• 54-26 - Glider Pilot Scholarship Program (GPTC) - Canada.ca

• 54-27 - Power Pilot Scholarship Program (PPTC) - Canada.ca

Both programs take place over the summer months and successful participants will depart with their glider or private pilot licence wings (respectively) and Transport Canada licence. Summer training is a combination of Ground School and in-flight training with numerous tests and assessments. Training can be both academically and physically challenging, but incredibly rewarding to those who are successful.

This program is highly competitive. Those who are interested must register for Ground School and successfully complete the entrance exam, in addition to the eligibility requirements summarized below.

GROUND SCHOOL

This training is the required pathway to flight training. Your training “on the ground” is critical to successful learning “in the air”! Therefore, cadets who are eligible and interested in completing either the Glider or Power Flying Scholarship program in the summer of 2026 MUST attend the National Ground School Program.

Information is available internally here: National Ground School Program - Overview  (internal site).

This training program will begin in November and continue until the delivery of the scholarship entrance exam which will take place in Early to Mid-February. Sessions will be entirely virtual over MS Teams, and held over several days to allow the maximum flexibility to those registered. Participants will be required to attend one session per week. Additional ground school training may be offered locally at 514 to help prepare candidates for their entrance exam – it can be very competitive!

Once training material is shared, it will be posted at the below internal web address for younger cadets to access as it suits their interest:

National Ground School Program - Training Resources 

REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Cadets must be eligible for the summer training in order to register for the Atlantic Region Ground School program. While all aspects of training are free for cadets, some personal expenses are required for the completion of pilot licencing. Eligibility requirements include:

• Age 16 prior to 1 Sep 2026 for the glider pilot licence

• Age 17 prior to 1 Sep 2026 for the private pilot licence

• Have a weight approximately between 100 and 200 lbs for glider pilot licence

• Have a weight below 245 lbs for private pilot licence

• A valid Category 3 or 1 Medical Certificate (MC) from TC (fees will apply, see NL examiners here)

  • The glider pilot license requires a category 4 medical

  • The Private pilot license requires a category 3 medical, and this is the most common for air cadets candidates.

  • The commercial pilot license (not offered through Air Cadets) required a category 1 medical, and is the strictest medical standard.

  • See more information here.

• Valid photo ID to present to the TC examiner if required;

• A new passport photo or valid aviation document booklet; and

• Personal funds to pay for both (fees taken during the summer course):

  • the TC examination fee ($125.94), and

  • Pilot Licence application fee. ($55)

Registration for Ground School must be completed by 21 October 2025. Note that all of the above eligibility requirements are not due by 21 October 2025; Squadron staff will reach out to those interested with more information as required.

We look forward to seeing some of you develop into tomorrow’s pilots. 514 will do everything we can to support you along the way!