Gander CAF Engagement

ABOUT THIS EVENT

This event is scheduled for 6-8 Feb 2026. 

Cadets will take a bus to Gander, NL, for aviation and CAF tours and the opportunity to participate in a familiarization flight out of the Gander Flight Training school.

Registration is open and close on 9 January 2026. Only 20 cadets can be selected to attend.

Below are the details from last year. More up-to-date information will be posted when it is available.

Please consult the below for an overview of this event.

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

The Joining Instructions for the event are posted to our File Repository under "Cadet Event Documents", once available: File Repository

REGISTRATION

Closing on 9 January 2026.

Because transportation is being handled by bus, spots are limited for this event. We will do our best to fairly and diligently select cadets based on a combination of first-to-register, attendance, seniority, and professional interest in aviation.

Registration can be completed online using the following form hyperlink: Registration Form

KEY DETAILS

Registration Deadline: Friday, 3 Jan 2025

Drop off: Friday, 6 Feb 2025 at 5:30pm, for bus at115 The Boulevard, St. John’s

Training Location: Gander, NL (various training locations)

Pick Up: Sunday, 8 Feb 2025 at approximately 1:45pm, 115 The Boulevard, St. John’s

OVERVIEW

The cadets will participate in a day-long training activity in Gander from 0800-1700 on Saturday, 7 February 2025. Cadets who are not local (including 514) will be transported to the training area Friday evening, 6 Feb 2025, and transported back to St. John’s on Sunday, 8 Feb 2025. All costs related to training, meals, transportation, and accommodations are covered by the program. Cadets will not be permitted to leave and then later return to the activity, and local family/friends will not be permitted to visit. Requests for late arrival/departure may be considered on a case-by-case basis by submitting through the 514 Commanding Officer asap. A general schedule is included in the attachment Joining Instructions.

ACCOMODATIONS

Cadets and staff will be housed at Fraser Road United Church where all participants will sleep on cots. Washroom facilities are co-located with accommodations. Shower facilities are located at the CFB Gander PSP building where cadets will have the opportunity to utilize ablution facilities in the evening. Access to a gender-neutral washroom and changing area will be provided. Sleeping bags will be provided. Pillows will not be provided and are requested to be brought from home

FLIGHT FAMILIARIZATION

Cadets who are interested and eligible will also participate in a Cessna 172 familiarization flight from the Gander airport on Saturday. This is weather dependent. If interested, the cadet must provide their approximate weight as part of their registration, so that flight groups can be organized within the weight limitations of the single-engine aircraft.

DRESS

- Saturday - FTU: On Saturday, cadets will wear their FTUs or “greens” including appropriate layers for outdoor training (winter parka, gloves, touque, wool socks, etc.). Even in ideal weather, the familiarization flight in the Cessna 172 will be rather chilly - so appropriate layers will be a requirement. Civilian layers are permitted in order to suit the weather, as necessary.

- Friday and Sunday- Civies: Previously, during travel on Friday and Sunday, cadets could wear their civilian attire. We will confirm this detail prior to the event.

- Swim/Sport: There may be an opportunity to use a rec facility with a sport area and pool on Saturday evening. Cadets may pack swim or sport attire if interested in these activities.

- Packing: A detailed packing list is in Annex B of the joining instructions.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

We must advise the officer in command (OIC) as early as possible of any special dietary restrictions/considerations. All accommodations will be made, medical, religious or otherwise. You must provide this information as part of your registration.

MEDICAL ADMIN

Cadets with prescription medication or over-the-counter medication must bring a completed Medication Administration Form (Annexes C and D of the joining instructions) to be provided upon arrival on Friday.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

You are welcome to contact us at any time: Capt Justin Fitzgerald, 709-769-1139

However, during the activity, for anything urgent it would be best to contact the officer in command (OIC): 709-425-0695