In order to assist our cadets to perform well on the Qualifying Exam, 872 Squadron runs a "Ground School" for those cadets that are interested in applying for a scholarship. Ground school classes provide cadets with more detailed information about aviation and aeronautics than is taught in the core program.

Ground School instruction takes place Monday evenings at the Squadron beginning in early October through December in order to prepare for the examination in January.

DETAILS

Senior Ground School (16 years of age and over)

Junior Ground School (12-15 years of age)

Classes will be held at Sacred Heart High School from 18:30hrs to 21:00hrs. 
Report to the area of Room 130 to find out which classrooms will be in use.

Dress is civilian casual. Please bring a pen and notebook. Arrangements will be made to obtain the "From the Ground Up" text book which will be available for purchase by the cadets.

Please direct any questions to Maj Dixon.

GLIDING SCHOLARSHIPS

Gliding scholarships are available to senior air cadets as a six-week summer course. During this time, cadets work towards their glider pilot license. Gliding candidates attend both practical and in-class training. Before cadets begin their practical training, they must first review the basics of flying and learn the specific techniques for the gliders used during the course.The gliding scholarships are held at Regional Gliding schools. Air Cadets who have successfully completed the glider scholarship are authorized to wear the glider wings on their uniform.

Who Can Apply?

Air Cadets must meet the following criteria to apply for a gliding scholarship:

• Have completed level 3 by June 30th of the year.
• Have an interest and aptitude for further training
• Have completed grade 9 no later than the nomination date
• Be medically fit; cadets will need a Transport Canada Medical Certificate, Category 3 or 4
• Be 16 years old but not have reached 19 by September after the course
• Be within the glider height and weight restrictions. Cadets must be able to sit comfortably, reach the controls and see clearly in all directions
• Height: Between 137 cm and 190.5 cm
• Weight: Between 41 kg and 91 kg

POWER SCHOLARSHIPS

Who Can Apply?

Air cadets must meet the following criteria to apply for a flying scholarship:

• Have completed level 4 by June 30th of the year
• Have an interest and aptitude for further training
• Have completed grade 10 no later than the nomination date
• Be medically fit; cadets will need a Transport Canada Medical Certificate, Category 3
• Be 17 years old but not have reached 19th birthday before the end of the course

How Are Cadets Selected?

Each squadron has a maximum number of cadets they can send on the scholarship each year. This number is based on the number of cadets the squadron had at the annual review at the end of the previous year.

Cadets who meet the above criteria and have completed the application procedure must also write the Canadian Forces Qualifying Examination held in January. A nomination committee formed of cadet squadron staff and the sponsoring committee will review the applications to recommend who may write the exam. A minimum grade of 50% on the exam is required to continue with the process.

Cadets are selected through a three-level process: Local, Provincial and National. The Directorate of Cadets and the Air Cadet League National Office are responsible for the final selection.