Local air cadets get rare up-close opportunity with major search and rescue aircraft

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 8, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Fifteen of Medicine Hat’s own Air Cadets got the chance to explore a remarkable aircraft late last year, to catch a glimpse into some of the different ways aircraft can be used.

The craft in question, the CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft by 434 Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron, is designed specifically for search and rescue operations. As such, it is equipped with advanced sensors that can detect people or objects from over 40 kilometres away, even in low-light conditions.

“Seeing the Kingfisher up close was amazing. Their camera systems, and just the plane as a whole, were so advanced,” said Sgt. Angelina Poddar.

This outing allowed for the cadets to see the technology currently used in real-life scenarios, as well as speak to a search and rescue technician to learn about their work and specialty. Discussions included responsibilities, challenges and rewards of working in search and rescue.

“The search and rescue technician was really nice and very helpful,” said Leading Air Cadet Avani Gaekwad. “His responses to all my questions were very insightful.”

The tour took place at Medicine Hat Regional Airport on Oct. 23.

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