An Abbotsford air cadet was recently among those taking part in glider pilot training at Regional Cadet Air Operations in Comox.
Flight Sgt. Natasha Cummings, 17, has been a cadet since 2011 and joined for the aviation part of the program.
The main focus of the glider training, held March 18 to 27, is for cadets to upgrade their solo glider pilot licence to the Front Seat Familiarization (FAM) rating, which allows them to take a passenger during flights.
The cadets participate in annual proficiency checks and solo flights to build up to the required 10 hours.
Once they reach the required time, they are are evaluated until instructors are fully satisfied of the their ability to safely fly with a passenger.
The cadets continue to the next step, which ultimately leads them to be flight instructors.
After achieving her FAM pilot rating, Cummings plans on taking other cadets up in the glider with her.
She said the cadets program has made a difference to her.
“The air cadet program has taught me many skills like leadership, dress and deportment, and how to be a pilot,” she said.