Because of the intensity of the course, and non negotiable League requirements, Cadets must be at least 16 years of age by September 1st, 2021 (Glider Pilot Training Course - GPTC) and 17 years of age by September 1st, 2021 (Power Pilot Training Course - PPTC), successfully completed grade 9 (GPTC) or grade 10 (PPTC) and be in at least their 3rd level of Cadets (GPTC) or 4th level (PPTC).
 
A core of returning advanced students will assume responsibilities during upcoming sessions.  In fact, flying training course winners will be the Lead Instructors, with guidance only from the adult SME's (Subject Matter Experts).
 
Each Cadet will be provided with course material and a loaner copy of "From the Ground Up" for study purposes.  The `exam' will be taken from any part of the manual and is approximately 50 questions.  Questions are not known in advance.
 
The course is challenging, requiring many extra hours outside class (at least 4 hours per week and extra study sessions arranged by the students over the Christmas break).  Each student will be expected to prepare and present two units (one as lead and one as backup) on topics such as airplane structures, radio, navigation, engines, theory of flight, meteorology, airman-ship, etc.   One hour of class time will be dedicated to presentations and "learning" new material.  Practice "exams", clarifying problem areas and reviewing homework takes about an hour.  Cadets are expected to work as a team, learning together. 
 
For those Cadets interested in National courses, it is competitive and there are no guarantees.  Doing really well on the Exam is a pre-requisite to attending the Boards.  Board interviews, school marks, Cadet activities, deportment, etc. are all considered in the decision.  The Air Cadet League is the governing body that determines the Training Course recipients.  If a Cadet is selected for a Training Course, they must obtain a Transport Canada Medical, at their own expense  (This is in addition to other licensing fees).  It is strongly recommended that the medical be obtained well in advance.

For more information, please contact the Ground School Instructor at: CO@airdrieaircadets.ca