16 Wing Borden
The largest training Wing in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), 16 Wing provides air force technical training, aerospace control training and professional development.
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An Aerospace Control officer in training monitors simulated air traffic on computer monitors.
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A student Aerospace Control Operator monitors simulated air traffic on a computer screen.
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An aerial view of the Royal Canadian Air Force Academy at 16 Wing Borden.
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Two students at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering carry a helicopter tail rotor inside a hangar.
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Master Corporal Andrew Maxwell (left) instructs Aviator Hannah Butler (right) on aircraft sheet metal repair during the Aircraft Structures Technician course at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering on July 31, 2025, in Borden, Ontario.
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Corporal Shane Bristow practices aircraft sheet metal repair on the Aircraft Structures Technician course at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering on July 31, 2025, in Borden, Ontario.
Photo: Corporal Aimee Rintjema.
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A student at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering practices soldering skills on a circuit board.
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Ground training aircraft sit in the hangar at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE). The aircraft are used by various courses at CFSATE to aid in the application of practical skills.
On this page
About
16 Wing is located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden in Borden, Ontario with one school in Cornwall, Ontario, and a detachment of the RCAF Academy in Aldershot, Nova Scotia. It is under the command of 2 Canadian Air Division.
16 Wing’s schools deliver a range of ab initio training for aircraft technicians, aerospace engineers and aerospace control personnel, as well as professional development to officers and non-commissioned members.
16 Wing is modernizing its facilities, training aids, instructional methods and techniques, incorporating new technologies and contemporary learning.
Non-flying squadrons
| Name | City | Province |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Canadian Air Force Academy | Borden | Ontario |
| Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering | Borden | Ontario |
| Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations | Cornwall | Ontario |
Command Team
Commander
Colonel
J.W. Cunningham, CD
Chief Warrant Officer
Chief Warrant Officer
Robert Peldjak, MMM, CD
Badge and motto
TO LEARN, TO PERFECT, TO EXCEL
16 Wing perpetuates the historic badge of RCAF Station Camp Borden. This consists of four eaglets representing the various stages in the birth and evolution of military aviation in Canada.
Honorary Colonel Rory MacKinnon
An Honorary Colonel is a distinguished civilian appointed by the Minister of National Defence to strengthen relationships with local, professional, and civic communities. The role is honorary and advisory in nature, providing support to the local Commander through engagement in ceremonial functions, advocacy, and the promotion of RCAF traditions, while contributing to the well-being of military personnel and their families.
History
Considered the birthplace of the RCAF, military aviation at Camp Borden (now CFB Borden where 16 Wing is located) began with the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel C.G. Hoare and his staff in 1917. The Royal Flying Corps was in dire need of new recruits overseas, and Canada had much to offer. Read more about the history of 16 Wing Borden.
Related links
Contact
16 Wing Headquarters
PO Box 1000 Station Main
Borden ON L0M 1C0
Public Affairs Officer
16 Wing Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 705-424-1200 extension 5648
Email: 16-PA@forces.gc.ca
Flying a drone
Civilian drone operations within 3 nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) of an aerodrome under the authority of the Department of National Defence (MND) requires pre-authorization. For more information about these zones and how to properly access them, please consult the National Research Council of Canada Drone Site Selection tool and section 3.2.35 of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft chapter of Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Civilian drone operators with the required licence and registered drone who are seeking to fly within a Wing aerodrome must contact the Wing in advance for approval.
