Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON

Parents

Training

Wednesday Nights

51 Squadron holds its mandatory training on Wednesday evenings between 1815 hours and 2100 hours. Opening parade is formed up by flights and allows for taking of flight attendance, inspection of cadets and flight announcements. Squadron inspection by the Cdt Commander follows if time allows as well as new squadron announcements of the evening schedule and upcoming activities. Three periods of classes normally follow. Cadets arriving after 1830 hours must sign in on the Duty Personnel Late Sheet at the Duty Personnel station in the front lobby. The late sheet is handed in to the Administration Officer (Admin O) at the end of the first training period. Attendance sheets should be returned by the start of first period to Admin O. A final parade is formed up in flights around 2040 hours for the Commanding Officer’s review and announcements. All squadron operations cease at 2100 hours and cadets must leave the museum by 2115 hours.

 

Promotions

The Squadron Commanding Officer (CO) is the authority to promote cadets.

Promotion is not automatic, and a cadet may only be awarded one rank at a time. The specific criteria for all ranks is established to:

      • ensure that all cadets who receive a rank promotion possess the same basic qualifications / similar experience;
      • ensure that merit and the successful completion of squadron training serve as the common standard on which all cadets are evaluated; and
      • ensure that every cadet is given the same opportunity to advance.

Check out our Promotions page for details on Time and Training criteria cadets need to be promoted to the next rank.

Awards

Awards are typically presented at the squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR). Awards reflect a cadet’s overall accomplishments and behaviour throughout the entire training year. Selection of deserving cadets is carried out by a selection committee according to accurate and impartial criteria with absence of favouritism. 

Check out our Awards page to find out more about the different awards given to cadets every year at the ACR.

Supporting your cadet

Parents and/or guardians can do a lot to help cadets become successful cadets by showing an interest in their training and by supporting them during the year. As a parent/guardian you are expected to:

  • Show an interest in your child’s chosen activities.
  • Deliver and collect your child punctually before and after cadet training/activities/events.
  • Drop-off and pick-up your child in the designated pick-up zone in the parking lot of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and not at the front door. This is a fire zone, and you can be fined.
  • Encourage your child to take ownership of their cadet experience by gathering the necessary information and requirements for each Squadron activity. Detail any relevant medical concerns or conditions pertaining to your child on the registration/consent form.
  • Report any changes in the state of the child’s health to staff prior to training/activity/event.
  • Encourage your child to follow rules and encourage them to be positive and involved.
  • Ensure that your child understands the cadet’s code of conduct.
  • Ensure your child is properly fed and hydrated prior to training/activities/events.
  • Accept the staff’s judgment and do not enter the training area.
  • Participate in the Squadron Sponsoring Committee Activities and support fundraising efforts, by donating your time, money, and/or expertise.
  • Keep informed with the Squadron’s activities.
  • Do not smoke, drink or use inappropriate language in front of cadets.

Time commitment

The time commitment for each cadet will vary slightly depending on how many optional activities they have joined. Typically, Cadets attend mandatory training on Tuesday evenings which is about 2.5 hours, and 1-2 days of training during the weekend per month. Cadets are expected to attend mandatory training nights and mandatory weekend training activities. Attendance at such events plays a significant role in their ability to pass their levels and determining which cadets will be selected for summer training, promotions, leadership positions or awards.

Our Squadron also offers optional activities such as drill, band, marksmanship, air studies, and biathlon during the week or weekends. Cadets who participate in these activities understand that they are committing to attend these activities regularly.

Event Calendar​

Check out our Squadron event calendar for details about times and locations of our activities.

51 Squadron Event Calendar