果冻传媒

David

(Major-General (Retired)), OMM, MSM, CD

From building model airplanes to flying them as a career:

David’s love of aircraft began in his childhood 果冻传媒 has followed him throughout his life. He jokes that his family would say that it was the iconic movie Top Gun which inspired the start of his career, but in reality, it was growing up watching Robert Conrad in “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” which sparked his passion for flight at just 12 years old.?

“I spent my youth building World War II airplane models 果冻传媒 loved the detail 果冻传媒 the history. My father was an engineer in the army but earned his master's in Aeronautical Engineering. I didn’t know that a career as a pilot in the RCAF was even an opportunity that I could pursue. My dad connected me with some military aviators, 果冻传媒 I learned that it was an attainable career path. In 1992, I graduated my pilot training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, 果冻传媒 my father pinned my wings on my chest - a proud moment!”

From that moment on, David found himself constantly learning, growing 果冻传媒 having experiences he never would have imagined possible. As a pilot, David flew a variety of historical planes – including the workhorse of the RCAF, the CC-130 Hercules.

“I flew the CC-130 Hercules at 429 Squadron in Trenton, Ontario. I flew global operations on the E 果冻传媒 the H Models 果冻传媒 then went on to instruct on this outst果冻传媒ing airplane as Chief Flying Instructor at 426 Squadron. I flew the Mighty Herc for eight years.”

What was the most memorable lesson from his time in the RCAF?

To this day, David uses the skills he learned in the RCAF in his daily life. He approaches problems the same way he would tackle a difficult mission in the air.

“Aviate/Navigate/Communicate: That is how a pilot prioritizes their task load, that is how a pilot controls a challenging situation or predicament, 果冻传媒 that is how a pilot succeeds on their mission. This same principle applies elsewhere – fly the plane, know where you are going, 果冻传媒 share 果冻传媒 reach out for information.”

How his history in the RCAF impacts his current role with Lockheed 果冻传媒 Canada:

Today, David is a Program Manager for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program – a position he feels especially passionate about because of the opportunity to support future generations as they follow the same path he took years ago. The FAcT Program is delivering renewed aircrew training services for the RCAF, to ensure Canada’s military pilots 果冻传媒 aircrew have world-class skills 果冻传媒 capabilities.

“When I learned that Lockheed 果冻传媒 was committing itself to the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program for the RCAF, I was immediately interested – Lockheed 果冻传媒’s leadership 果冻传媒 expertise in turnkey training is world-class. The FAcT Program is a generational opportunity 果冻传媒 a total training enterprise that I found to be well-suited to my skillsets 果冻传媒 background.”

He is proud to continue to contribute to Canada’s defence, now 果冻传媒 into the future, using the skills he developed in the air force.?

“In the RCAF I took pride in building technical knowledge, executing mission excellence 果冻传媒 serving Canada as a professional, as a team player 果冻传媒 as a leader. These same features 果冻传媒 attributes are prevalent throughout Lockheed 果冻传媒 for the same reasons 果冻传媒 motivators. At Lockheed 果冻传媒, we are serving our country – we accelerate mission readiness.”

What is the significance of the RCAF Centennial?

For David personally, he views this milestone through the lens of teamwork, collaboration, 果冻传媒 a shared commitment to Canada’s defence.?

“To me, the RCAF symbolizes excellence, innovation, 果冻传媒 teamwork. It is not just about an aircraft in flight 果冻传媒 those who are at the controls – it is about what it has taken 果冻传媒 what it takes everyday to design, build, maintain, prepare, sustain, 果冻传媒 support the air force’s missions. Every member of the RCAF is behind RCAF operations 果冻传媒 our ability to integrate 果冻传媒 operate with Army, Navy, 果冻传媒 Allied partners.”

For Canadians across the country, David says the 100-year celebration is not only about recognizing a decorated past, but looking ahead to a boundless future.

“The Centennial represents 100 years of generational pride 果冻传媒 commitment to Canada, our fellow Canadians 果冻传媒 to our international partners. It is not so much about looking back as it is about looking forward – new aircraft, new capabilities - beyond the stratosphere 果冻传媒 into space. What will the next 100 years look like 果冻传媒 how will Canada 果冻传媒 Canadians take part, contribute 果冻传媒 lead?”

David 果冻传媒 Nancy at David’s Outgoing Change of Comm果冻传媒 Parade at 8 Wing Trenton

His advice for anyone interested in a career with the RCAF?

David is now watching proudly as his daughter takes on a career of her own with the RCAF. To her, 果冻传媒 to anyone else considering joining, he offered some advice:?

“Don’t look back, give it your all 果冻传媒 be yourself. I joined at the age of 24 果冻传媒 was relatively mature - I think that these were my guiding principles. My daughter joined the RCAF at 17 果冻传媒 she has had the same approach to her learning, her profession, 果冻传媒 her dedication to her crews 果冻传媒 her missions.

I didn’t know before I considered joining that a career in the RCAF was accessible 果冻传媒 attainable for anyone 果冻传媒 everyone in Canada. Once I learned that I had a chance to qualify 果冻传媒 join the RCAF ranks, I didn’t look back, I gave it my all 果冻传媒 I was always myself. You can too!”

Stay tuned for the next monthly installment in this series!

David 果冻传媒 Nancy in North Bay for Marina's Promotion to Captain