RCAF training course takes to the skies over Suffield

July 6, 2021 - Lt Frédérique Rousseau, 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Public Affairs

On May 16, 78 members of various 1 Wing squadrons – 403, 427, 430, 438 and 450 – boarded a CC-130J Hercules on the ramp of 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (THS) in Saint-Hubert, Que. and Pembroke, Ont., bound for Medicine Hat, Alta.

Their mission: to support and, in some cases, to lead Basic Tactical Aviation Course 2101 (BTAC 2101) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield, where they joined the vanguard and logistics elements already in place. Students and instructors from 408 THS, located at 3^rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton, also joined the group directly at Suffield to make it a full 1 Wing exercise. With the addition of a platoon from 3^rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, a total of 152 members were required to perform this Force Generation course, certifying six new pilots as Tactical Flight Leads on the CH-146 Griffon and two more on the CH-147F Chinook.

Since this was the first time the BTAC was being held in Suffield, a lot of preparation and adaptation was required to ensure the smooth running of flight operations. One of the challenges was logistics.

As there is no Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) element at CFB Suffield, all tools and equipment had to be positioned in advance. Technicians had to work outside to keep up with the high pace of the BTAC. The weather forecast ranged from 35 C to -5 C and it included strong winds and snow.

However, this element of nature had minimal effect on the training of the BTAC, as all 1 Wing personnel remained agile and flexible throughout the course. Their excellent readiness to operate in austere environment certainly ensured the success of the mission.

BTAC candidates put a lot of effort into developing the skills necessary to lead a two-aircraft mission. The course begins with a distance learning module, followed by an academic residency. A three-week practical flight phase in the field—at CFB Suffield for this BTAC—confirms and solidifies all the learning.

Students learn a variety of tactical aviation tactics, techniques and procedures. They must also learn 1 Wing’s Standard Operating Procedures, so that all units operate in a standardized manner. Students must go through the Aviation Mission Planning Cycle to prepare for and accomplish their mission.

Scenarios came to life thanks to the collaboration of the Canadian Army. This collaboration is an essential learning element for both the candidates and the ground troops who support the course, as it reinforces the effectiveness of future operations.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stephane St-Onge, Commander 438 THS and BTAC 2101, thanks all the members who participated directly and indirectly in this common effort. Once again, their hard work and professionalism helped to adapt quickly to a new environment, whilst managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The RCAF continues to train its members to ensure they are operational and efficient. BTAC 2101 was a success and 438 THS is already planning BTAC 2102, which will take place in Valcartier, Que. this fall.