A gleaming Michael Park back on the ground after his first solo flight in Pitt Meadows in July. (submitted photo)

By Alex Rawnsley

cleared for takeoff

Nanaimo teenager completes private pilot’s license through Cadet scholarship

Sep 3, 2023 | 9:18 AM

NANAIMO — If you asked Michael Park five years ago whether or not he’d be a certified pilot before he graduated high school, he’d probably have confidently said no.

However, the 17-year-old Nanaimo resident is now cleared to take to the skies in single-engine planes after earning his wings late last month.

Park told NanaimoNewsNOW his involvement in the 205 Collishaw branch of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets over the last five years developed an interest in aviation, an area he hadn’t been exposed to before.

“I wasn’t too much into aviation when I first joined which was when I was 12. But as I went through the Cadets program…it’s sort of developed an interest in aviation in the whole five years of me staying in Cadets.”

Originally from South Korea, Park and his family moved to the Comox Valley area in 2012 then Nanaimo around the same time he joined Cadets.

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The process of obtaining the license took roughly a year and was funded through a scholarship through 205 Collishaw.

After extensive online studying including testing, Park then passed through an interview phase.

Park earned his pilot’s wings in August after completing a year of schooling and a seven week in-person training program through July and August. (submitted photo/Michael Park)

He said flight schools can only take so many people each year and if the number of people who pass the test is more than the number of spaces, a selection interview takes place.

Park passed both steps and left for the Canadian Flight Centre in Pitt Meadows on July 10 for ground school and his in-plane training.

It all led up to his first flight and eventual solo in a two-seater Cessna 152.

“We go up there, do a couple of take-offs and landings and if they think I’m safe to go fly by myself, they’ll hop off the plane and make me go on a solo flight.”

Park described the feeling of being alone in a plane as “very peaceful” and “a little stressful”.

“With my first solo, it was very exciting. There was nobody on my right telling me what to do. Knowing that I can handle this all by myself, I was proud of myself. I’m confident to go by myself, I’m independent.”

He graduated with his wings on Aug. 25 and is looking at joining the Nanaimo Flying Club to continue building his hours.

Park (left) with Capt. Kevin Hills at his August graduation ceremony. (submitted photo/Michael Park)

Park said there is no way he’d have his pilot’s license without the help of Cadets, as a private pilot’s license comfortably costs in excess of $10,000.

“When I first started Cadets, I had not much interest in aviation but after I got the license, well sure I’m going to take my friends and family up but it could potentially grow into my career path as well. I get my hours done, go for my Commercial Pilot’s License, etc.”

He credited the support from Cadets, in particular Capt. Kevin Hills, in helping him be successful with his license, as well as his five years with the program.

“He’s a great mentor for all the pilots if they’re wanting to be a pilot within a squadron. Last year, I was the only person that made it through and got the license, but hopefully there should be more cadets that are willing to be a pilot and I believe that Capt. Hills would greatly help out with them as well.”

Park has eyes on the Royal Military College in Ontario after his grade 12 year at Dover Bay Secondary gets started this month.

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