Air Canada Pilot visits the Trail Air Cadets

Recently, as part of the 50th Anniversary of females being allowed into the cadet program, Jessica Lehman, a pilot with Air Canada, visited the 531 City of Trail Air Cadet Squadron. She gave the cadets a presentation about her experiences as a pilot and took the opportunity to encourage the cadets to pursue their dreams in aviation.

Jessica was an air cadet herself. She joined the program when she was fifteen and took advantage of the Glider Pilot Training Course that is available to cadets. Upon completing the course, Lehman knew for sure that she wanted to be a pilot. Although Jessica has been passionate for aviation ever since she was five, the cadet program further pushed her to pursue a career as a pilot by teaching her discipline and encouraging her passions.

When asked about her favorite moment in her career Jessica recalled the first successful solo flight she took in a glider. She spoke on how relieved she was to have passed that part of the course, and how accomplished she felt. Lehman started her aviation career in 2013 working in ground roles with aviation companies. Between then and working for Air Canada she’s had a variety of different experiences such as a pilot for flying medevac and working with Air Canada Express. Since Lehman joined Air Canada in 2019, she has done many exciting things. She currently works as a Boeing 777 relief pilot, and flies across the globe to places like Australia.

Lehman motivated many of the cadets in the squadron to continue following their passions. Opportunities to hear from professionals like this can help give cadets a new outlook on their future.

During the same evening several cadets received promotions.

Promoted to Flight Sergeant were Dreaden Cox, Carter Langman and Connor Chandler

Promoted Sergeant were Linnea Lawder, Brooke Hall and Jessa Buckland

Promoted to Flight Corporal was Cailen Freear

Promoted to Corporal were Charlie Jaskiewicz and Duncan Clarke

531 Squadron meets every Wednesday evening in the Kemball (Trail) Armoury at 1990 7th Ave, starting at 6:15pm.

New cadets are welcome at any time. Cadets are between the ages of 12 and 18. New cadets can start their application at https://registration.cadets.gc.ca/get-started.html

Adults who would like to volunteer with the squadron are also welcome.

Quick Facts

•     The Cadet Program is open to all Canadian youth from the ages of 12 to 18 regardless of income, race, religion, culture or other socio-economic factors. The program embraces Canada’s multiculturalism and offers young Canadian’s opportunities to interact with youth from other cultures.

•     The 2025-26 training year marks 531 squadron’s 75th Anniversary. The squadron was formed on 02 March 1951.

•     Over the training year cadets can travel, go flying in powered and unpowered aircraft and do outdoor activities.

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