Dreams take flight: From air cadets to aviation careers
Nolan Miller was in kindergarten when he pointed to an airplane in the sky and said he was going to be a pilot when he grew up. Now he’s 21 and attending the School of Aviation at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto. His participation in the 386 Komox Air Cadet program was part of his journey to fulfilling his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. Similarly, Nick Boudreau, currently attending an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek, BC, credits the same program with his ongoing interest in aviation.
History and reach of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCAC) program was established in the 1940s to foster leadership, discipline, and an appreciation for aviation in young men ages 12 to 18, as a possible gateway into the Air Force. Today’s program is gender inclusive and focuses on youth leadership with an emphasis on aviation.
There are 454 squadrons located across Canada with an enrolment of over 26,000 air cadets. The program is unique in that it costs nothing to participate, which alleviates any economic barriers to involvement.
The history of 386 Komox Squadron
The air cadets of 386 Komox Squadron benefit from their program’s proximity to 19 Wing Comox. With initial support from the Rotary Club, the squadron was first chartered on December 6, 1944, then briefly disbanded after the war. After the program restarted in 1946, the Lions Club and the Comox Logging Company helped sponsor the squadron. Currently, the Air Cadet League of Canada supports the squadron’s ongoing operations, with help from 888 Wing, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 28 (Cumberland), and the parent-led 386 Komox Sponsorship Committee.
Core values and goals of the program
The motto of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCAC) is “To learn, to serve, to advance.” It reflects the goals of the program, which include developing leadership and citizenship skills, promoting physical fitness, promoting an interest in the Canadian Armed Forces, and training in various facets of aviation such as airport operations, airplane maintenance, navigation, and flying skills.
The program emphasizes “Cadets leading cadets,” meaning senior cadets teach and lead the juniors, with support and supervision from staff. This mentorship component is crucial in that it helps cadets learn the value of teamwork and the importance of guiding others. They progress through the ranks by demonstrating levels of leadership, knowledge, and commitment. Some are particularly interested in aviation and aspire to careers as pilots or engineers, while others are more drawn to the leadership and community-building aspects of the program.
Activities and opportunities offered by the squadron
The 386 Komox Squadron offers a variety of activities. There’s optional range, biathlon, band, and drill training on top of weekly sessions that cover a variety of subjects (drill, aviation theory, survival skills, and leadership). Cadets also have the opportunity to go up in a glider flown by a fellow cadet; attend two field training exercise weekends a year; participate in one- to six-week summer camps that focus on sports and fitness, survival, and aviation; and enjoy extracurricular activities like snowshoeing and day trips to Victoria and Nanaimo. Older cadets may attend camps as paid staff throughout the summer.
Community involvement and support systems
Cadets fundraise to help support their activities through poppy sales, bingo, and bottle drives. They also take part in many events such as Remembrance Day ceremonies, Christmas parades, Victoria Day parades, and community cleanups. Service projects help them build a sense of responsibility and pride, while also making meaningful contributions to their community.
Many of the staff volunteers at 386 Komox Squadron are from 19 Wing Comox. The instructors are dedicated to providing quality teaching and ensuring that cadets have access to the best possible resources and learning opportunities. The squadron’s active parent committee supports various initiatives through fundraising, organizing events, and ensuring that activities run smoothly.
Advanced opportunities and aviation career pathways
As cadets progress through the program, further horizons open up to them. For example, cadets from across the country who wish to obtain a glider pilot or power pilot licence can enrol in an intensive ground-school course. A select number—those who score high enough on that exam and then succeed in a followup interview and review of their cadet history—will receive an invitation to attend an intensive glider or power pilot summer camp.
The statistics tell an interesting story. One in five private Canadian pilots is a former air cadet, and 67 per cent of commercial pilots started their career as an air cadet. Nolan Miller will be one of those pilots and Nick Boudreau could end up maintaining the airplane Nolan flies.
Developing future leaders and citizens
The RCAC’s primary goal is to develop responsible, well-rounded citizens who make a positive contribution to society. By participating in activities that promote personal growth, teamwork, and volunteerism, cadets shape their futures and contribute to their communities. 386 Komox is a prime example of a squadron that produces many capable and confident young Canadians—Nolan and Nick being just two of many.
