406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron

406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron is located at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, and is the home of CH-148 Cyclone helicopter training in Canada.

The squadron trains pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSOs), and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Ops) on the CH-148 Cyclone aircraft and flight operations relevant to the Maritime Helicopter (MH) role. In addition, the Squadron’s Technical Training Flight conducts a wide range of avionics and aviation courses for Cyclone technicians, as well as specialty maintenance courses. On an annual basis, between 200 and 300 students graduate from 406 Squadron.

The 406 Squadron mission is to generate trained and qualified technicians and aircrew for operational employment by the MH community. Our partner squadrons 423 Squadron in Shearwater, N.S., and 443 Squadron in Patricia Bay, B.C., employs 406 Squadron Cyclone graduates as integral members of helicopter air detachments aboard Her Majesty’s Canadian ships.

To achieve the vision of creating Canada’s future Maritime Helicopter warriors, 406 Squadron offers a challenging and dynamic lineup of courses. Pilot courses offer instruction in aircraft systems, flight characteristics, and helicopter handling.

On the Cyclone, ACSOs are responsible for the tactical coordination of the aircraft and are thus known as Tactical Coordinators (TACCOs). They learn how to fly tactical and utility missions, maritime-specific procedures and communications, weapons and sensor systems, as well as surface and sub-surface warfare. Operating in tandem with AES Ops, TACCOs also learn search and rescue procedures, including hoisting and stokes litter evacuation.

AES Ops are primarily responsible for operating sensors, as the trade name suggests. The Cyclone, being the most advanced helicopter in the Royal Canadian Air Force, includes many sensors such as a dipping sonar, electro-optics, infra-red cameras, and radar. AES Ops also learn search and rescue procedures.

Within the Technical Training Flight, apprentice avionics and aviation technicians learn skills that will enable them to maintain the Cyclone both ashore and at sea. The Flight also instructs specialized courses to support the spectrum of maintenance operations, and conducts safety training for confined spaces and sea survival. On average, the Technical Training Flight is responsible for approximately 90% of the 406 Squadron total annual graduates.

Overall, the personnel of 406 Squadron represent the foundation of the Cyclone community. With existing courses constantly being updated, Cyclone flight and technical training will continue to progress to accommodate the technologically advanced Cyclone helicopter. No matter the challenge, 406 Squadron will remain committed to creating Canada’s future Maritime Helicopter warriors.

• CH-148 Cyclone

406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron
PO Box 99000 Stn Forces
Halifax NS B3K 5X5