Warrant Officer Second Class Sahas Mittal of 38 Prince Albert, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, in Prince Albert, in the cockpit of a glider at the Brandon Municipal Airport. (Submitted photo/ Warrant Officer Tayte Peterson, Cadet Correspondent, Brandon Cadet Training Centre.)

By Nigel Maxwell

Earning your wings

Prince Albert teen flying high after unique summer experience

Aug 26, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Prince Albert’s Sahas Mittal is taking his passion for flight to new heights.

Mittal, a cadet from 38 Prince Albert, Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, spent his summer learning to pilot a glider during the seven-week Glider Pilot Training Course at the Brandon Cadet Training Centre in Brandon, Man.

“So in the beginning I was pretty nervous about flying, but at the same time I was pretty excited because I heard a lot of good things from other cadets that had taken the course,” he told paNOW.

The Glider Pilot Training Course results in successful candidates graduating with their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence. A rigorous and competitive selection process selects candidates for this course, including attending ground school online, writing an entrance exam, review of their cadet file and school marks, and an interview. Describing this past summer as the best ever, and acknowledging the friendships he made, Mittal said it’s truly exhilarating to be flying.

“And the fact that our squadron has not had a glider pilot get their wings in a long time, it’s pretty cool to be the first one”

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Mittal’s passion for aviation was the reason he joined cadets four years ago, knowing there was an opportunity to become a pilot.

“I, without hesitation, recommend cadets to anyone. I’ve personally seen reluctant and shy youth join cadets, grow as people, and find a passion. Whether it be marksmanship, drill, band, aviation or even effective speaking, there’s something for everyone,” he said.

The Canadian Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old and develops confident, self-sufficient leaders who form lasting friendships and are engaged in their communities. Air Cadets also learn about aviation technologies, air crew survival, and how to fly.

Adults are also needed to help train, administer and supervise the local youth involved in the Canadian Cadet Program. No previous military or cadet experience is needed.

“Even just besides aviation, you’ll meet so many great people and the connections you make will last you a long, long time,” Mittal said.

Going forward, Mittal aims to apply next year for the power aircraft training course, which he explained will assist him when he pursues aerospace engineering at university. Mittal also hopes to return one day and teach other cadets how to fly.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell