CONFEDERATION COLLEGE HOSTS ROYALCANADIAN AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT AND PERSONNEL
by Scott A Sumner
Confederation College's Aviation Centre of Excellence, featuring Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft and personnel engaged with aviation program students about career opportunities and accreditation programs. The event showcased the collaboration between Confederation College and the Royal Canadian Air Force in supporting aviation education and career pathways.
Two RCAF aircraft were on display and tours: a CF-18 Hornet and a C-130 Hercules.
Matt Bunn, Associate Dean, Aviation, Confederation College“The F18 here today is piloted by Andrew Eckhardt, an alumni of the Confederation College's Aviation Centre of Excellence program in 2007 and has been flying the F18 for 12 years. He had to get a university degree as well to become a captain.”
“ It is neat to have our alumni come back and see the success they have had in their careers. We also have alumni that fly the C-130 Hercules.”
“ We have two programs, our flight management and aircraft maintenance and they have been in existence for over 50 years now. We see our students leave here and work all over the world including becoming managers and owners of their own companies.”
The flight management program usually receives 300 to 400 applicants for 60 seats.The aircraft maintenance program has 40 students and usually they have availability until the fall.
“ There are many jobs out there with currently a pilot shortage and aircraft mechanic shortage.The industry is desperately searching for more mechanics and pilots. Students who graduate now can go directly to flying for a commercial operator due to the shortage. There may be additional ratings required like multi engine or instrument rating if you fly. Right now there are many entry level jobs available. Hours of flight time is a bit of a currency to use to move up to larger aircraft. Many can get experience in maintenance work as far away as Yellowknife. The Royal Canadian Air Force are here today because they need to recruit people as well.”
Andrew Eckhardt, Major CF- 18 pilot“It has been an awesome experience and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I wouldn't trade anything for the experience I have gained. It is very dynamic, no mission is the same and a challenge everyday that you fly. The training is rewarding. My goal was to get in the military right away. The college program is structured similarly to military training- each has time pressures on it to go through your qualifications. It helps set you up mentally as well as just the flying experience.”
“ When flying the CF-18 things happen quickly and you have to make quick decisions, ideally the right decision. We do training exercises in the US and I have also flown in Europe and the Middle East.We currently have just under 80 CF-18's and also some Australian CF -18's we acquired before transitioning to the F 35. We will begin training on the F35 in a few years and will receive them in Canada a few years after that.”
