The Power Pilot Scholarship saw 18 young Air Cadets graduate in Steinbach last Friday, each with their own personal pilots’ license.

“This Power Pilot Scholarship is a seven-week course that gets students their private pilot's license,” explains Major Ben Peachment, the Manager, and Administrator of the scholarship. “Ordinarily people who do it on their own will take several months to complete it, but we condense the program  so it’s quite an accomplishment to make it to the end and have those wings presented to you.”

Of those who graduated at the Wings Parade ceremony, which took place at Harv’s Air last Friday, about half were from Manitoba and half were from the Alberta, notes Major Peachment. 

Lucas Vanderkamp, a graduate from Beausejour Manitoba, claims that this license enables him to pursue his dream: “I want to be a crop duster, cause I think that’s really cool. Sure it’s dangerous because of all of the turns and maneuvers, but someone’s got to do it, and I want to fly.”

Another Manitoba air cadet, Dominic Donato, is also excited for the new opportunities available to him.“I’m considering either going commercial or joining the Canadian armed forces,” states Donato.

Ultimately, Major Peachment says he is proud of all of those who achieved their wings and looks forward to seeing their careers take off.

Donato sums up the accomplishment as he sees it: “The freedom of flying is just incredible. When you get up there the world is your oyster.”

Dominic Donato Receiving his wings