GORE BAY—A couple of local airplane pilots are providing the opportunity for residents to learn how to fly for free. A private pilot ground school is being offered free of charge to anyone aged 14 or older.
“I’ve been involved in (aircraft) instruction pretty much my whole adult life,” said Wade Cook, one of three pilots for Manitoulin Transport, who along with fellow pilot Wayne Bryant is offering the pilot ground school course. “I was an Air Cadets reservist for 20 years and am retired from that. I do work for Manitoulin Transport, flying their corporate jet–I am one of the three pilots.”
“My idea is there is not a lot of general aviation education taking place at the airport currently, and I wanted to share my knowledge, and see if there is an interest locally,” said Mr. Cook. He will be hosting a Learn to Fly for Free evening at the Gore Bay Royal Canadian Legion in Gore Bay on January 16. “I just want to see if there is an interest.”
“There is no air cadet squadron in the area, so local residents and youngsters never have the opportunity to take advantage of this,” said Mr. Cook. He pointed out after pilot ground school training, participants will be able to try for their private pilot examination.
“Maybe this program will spur someone local to take up aviation-airplane pilot as a career,” said Mr. Cook. “For instance, the program will be good for kids who have an interest in aviation as a career path,” he said, noting the training that is to be provided locally would normally cost about $450-600 in Sudbury.
An information and introduction meeting will be held at the legion on Monday, January 16, 2017 from 7 pm until 9 pm. The course will start the following Monday, January 23 and run every Monday for 15 consecutive weeks starting at 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. For more information contact Wade Cook at (705) 282-0488.
