Whether it be tournaments, or regular sports activities at the squadron level, cadets at 111 Pegasus squadron are more frequently involving themselves in sports. With this increase in the interest of cadets, the Squadron is gradually moving towards fulfilling the third goal of the Air Cadet program, to promote physical fitness.  The interest of many cadets with multiple squadron sports tournaments has risen. These tournaments include volleyball, which was held on January 30th, basketball, held on March 5th, and dodgeball, which has yet to have a specific date set.  Even in the promotion evaluation processes this year, cadets were required to take a fitness test to fulfill one of their requirements for a rank.  111 sports are open to anyone with a positive attitude, and a desire to succeed.  Sports are an outstanding way for cadets to share a good time, and by sharing these moments, the bonds between cadets strengthens, contributing to a positive atmosphere within the Squadron.  As an added bonus, not only are recreational sports enjoyable, they are also a way to improve your own physical fitness, which is useful in activities outside cadets.
 
-WO2 Paul Opeda

For a select few individuals, flying is a passion.  In my case, it is a passion that I noticed from a very young age, and as is the case with most young people, I decided I had to fuel that desire.  Unfortunately, flying is also a very expensive activity to decide to base your life around.  However, the air cadet program solves that problem.  For me, cadets is a place to fuel my desire to become a commercial pilot, as well as help others who are on similar paths.  There are many opportunities for those of us who look to the sky in the cadet program, such as ground school, and the highly competitive glider and power pilot scholarships.  However, the most fun activity that is accessible to every cadet in the Squadron is familiarization flying.

A usual familiarization flight at 111 is a two-hour ride in a Cessna 172.  The Cessna 172 is a small, four-seat single engine aircraft.  The plane will depart from Boundary Bay Airport, before flying in between local airports to land, and give cadets an opportunity to change seats, to ensure that every cadet gets an opportunity to sit in the front seat.  If the weather is smooth, cadets may even get a chance to control the aircraft!  For many licensed cadet pilots, a familiarization flight was their first taste of what would later become a career.  While on the familiarization flight, cadets can ask questions of their pilot, as well as take in the breathtaking views that can only be found from an aircraft.  The best part of this adventure is that it is provided completely free!
 
Familiarization flying, and the cadet program in general, is not only a unique experience, but also a chance to connect with people who have the same interests as you.  Many of my best friends I met through cadets, and many of my mentors and the people who help me to get through flight training are people whom I have met through the cadet program.  Familiarization flying is an amazing and unique opportunity, and for young cadets who have a passion for flight, can be the moment when they stop dreaming, and start making their goals realities.
 
-FCpl Derek Strangway

This blog replaces the 111 Pegasus Newsletter which was previously published by the Squadron.  Look for upcoming posts about exciting squadron activities.  For those who are interested in the contents of the previous newsletters they can be found here:

Winter 2014
June 2014
January 2014
June 2013
March 2013