Background
The Air Cadet national gliding program began in Canada in 1965 in Penhold (AB) and later in 1970 in Atlantic Canada at CFB Greenwood (NS). The original equipment consisted of two gliders and a winch. Between 1970 and 1985, the Regional Gliding School (RGS) operated from Summerside (PE), Waterville (NS), and Stephenville (NF). In 1985 the Regional Gliding School moved to its present home in Debert (NS). Gliding began in Miramichi around 1974 when the Miramichi Airport was a military base known as CFB Chatham. Today, the RGS operates ten SGS-233A gliders, four L-19 tow aircraft, and one winch. All aircraft are based at Debert (NS) for the summer, but are spread out over the four Atlantic Provinces each spring and fall to support a "glider familiarization" program. Cadets are given the opportunity to experience the thrill of silent flight in one of the gliders. Many of these same young people go on to full-time careers in civilian and military aviation.
The New Brunswick Glider Famil Site in Miramichi serves 24 Air Cadet squadrons from across New Brunswick and flies 650-900 launches each year.
Source of Information:
Regional Cadet Gliding School (Atlantic)