A pair of South Surrey cadets spent spring break up in the air.
Matthew Wong, 18, and Tristan Dyke, 17 were two of a handful of B.C. cadet pilots who spent much of the last week improving their skills at the Regional Air Cadet Operations facility in Comox.
The main focus of the sessions – held March 18-27 – were to improve cadets' solo glider pilot skills, and upgrade their solo licenses to a 'front-seat familiarization' rating – which would allow pilots to take a passenger during flights. Over the course of the spring-break training, cadets built their solo flight hours to the required 10 by flying over the Comox Valley.
In addition to their time in the cockpit, Wong, Dyke and their fellow cadets also took on other roles to help in preparation for the flights, ensuring each cadet got up into the air.
"It's a tough – but rewarding – experience for all involved," according to a news release.
Col. Keith Stewart, the regional cadet air operations officer, added that "the gliding program gives a full spectrum of valuable skills to our cadets. They learn responsibility, leadership, citizenship and the important of teamwork."
Both Wong and Dyke have been cadets since 2010, and more recently, signed on to become pilots.
"The cadet program has allowed me to earn two Transport Canada pilot licenses and taught me to become a better Canadian through leadership and teamwork," Wong said.
For Dyke – who said the pilot program has "allowed me to achieve my dreams" – the it has been a busy spring.
Last month, alongside fellow Air Cadet Squadron 907 Black Knight member Arman Sohelli, Dyke competed at the National Cadet Biathlon Championships in Valcartier, Que.
Dyke won a bronze medal in the male youth category, while Sohelli won silver in the junior division.
The B.C. team finished second overall in the team rankings.