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The role of 3 CFFTS in Southport MB, is to conduct military pilot training. On average 75% of new RCAF winged pilots graduate from 3CFFTS, of which approximately 65% become helicopter pilots and 35% carry on to fly various multi-engine fixed winged aircrafts. After receiving their wings, each graduate is awarded a posting to an RCAF unit at a Canadian Forces base where they will continue to learn. This cache series was hidden for course RW1301 and ME1302 which graduated on May 24, 2013.
412 (Transport) Squadron
412 (T) Squadron is based in Ottawa but belongs to 8 Wing Trenton. It provides high-ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries with VIP air transportation worldwide.
The Squadron currently operates six Bombardier CC-144 Challengers. To accomplish this task it employs 18 pilots, 8 flight stewards and 8 civilians. Last year, the Squadron flew a total of 2825 hours.
Transport Canada has been working with the squadron since the closure of CFB Ottawa in October of 1994 when it assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the six Challengers. The relationship has since evolved and matured. The result is a more economical, efficient and effective Administrative Flight Service.
Squadron Badge
412 Squadron badge shows a falcon volant. The falcon is indigenous to all parts of Canada. Known for its skill and aggressiveness in dealing with its enemies, it has been used for hunting from an early date in history
Motto
PROMPTUS AD VINDICTUM - "Swift to avenge"
History
The history of 412 (Transport) Squadron can be traced back to the formation of two units during World War II.
The 10th of September, 1939, marked the formation of Number 12 Communications Flight at R.C.A.F. Station Ottawa. 412 (Fighter) Squadron was formed at Digby England on the 30th of June, 1941.
In the post war reorganization of the R.C.A.F., it was decided that 412 should not simply fade away into the history books. Number 12 Communications Flight, which had established an enviable record in the VIP air transport field, was selected to perpetuate 412 Squadron and on the first of April, 1947, it was redesignated as 412 (Composite) Squadron. Thus, the present day 412 (Transport) Squadron can trace its lineage to a World War II Spitfire squadron and its longevity to a communications flight.
In 1949, 412 (Transport) Squadron assumed its present VIP transport role and operated initially from CFB Rockcliffe. The Squadron moved to Uplands in June 1955. Over the years, the Aircraft and personnel of the squadron have visited practically every country in the world. A Squadron North Star Aircraft carried the Honorable L.B. Pearson, the Minister of External Affairs, to the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Conference held in Ceylon in January 1950, marking the first around the world flight by 412. Over the years, the passenger manifests have included Royalty, Governors-General, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, distinguished military leaders and others who have had a great influence in world affairs.
During its existence, the squadron has flown a number of unique Aircraft. The C5 "one and only" Aircraft number 10,000, joined the Squadron on 21 June, 1950. Similar to the North Star, but equipped with radial engines, the C5 was especially fitted for the transport of distinguished passengers, both in Canada and abroad. On the 30th of April 1966, the C5 was retired from service after logging 9600 hours, more than 3 million miles, and having visited 150 different countries. In May, 1953, the Squadron received the first of two Comet 1A Aircraft. It is of significance that 412 was the first squadron to have jet transport, not only in the R.C.A.F. but in any Air Force in the world. The Squadron pioneered the operation of pure jet transport across the Atlantic Ocean. The Comet Aircraft were retired from service on the 10th of October, 1963.
From 1961 to 1968, the Squadron operated two VIP configuration Canadair CL44 Yukons which participated in a wide variety of tasks including the annual National Defence College overseas tours, many around the world trips and innumerable special flights for high ranking dignitaries. During the same time period, the Yukons maintained a weekly flight schedule to Marville, France and Gatwick, England.
Centennial Year, 1967, was particularly noteworthy due to the primary role the Squadron played in the airlift of visiting representatives from more than 50 countries. As a special Centennial project, a Squadron Yukon flew over the North Pole and dropped a Canadian Flag to mark the country's one hundredth birthday.
With the retirement of the Yukon in 1968, the Squadron became almost exclusively North American oriented. This adjustment was facilitated by the acquisition of seven Falcon Aircraft in 1968 to complement the Cosmopolitan fleet acquired in 1960. Both Aircraft continually broke new ground for their types into previously unpenetrated areas such at the North, the Caribbean and South America.
Late in the 1970's, a permanent Squadron detachment, equipped with a Cosmopolitan Aircraft, was established at CFB Lahr, Germany. On the 23rd of January, 1980, the Cosmopolitan departed for Canada signaling the completion of the transition of the Lahr detachment to a De Havilland Dash 7 operation.
In 1983, two Canadair Challenger Aircraft were taken on inventory by 412 Squadron. The acquisition of these Aircraft reoriented the Squadron to its former global VIP role.
The year 1985 saw the retirement of the Falcon after 17 years of service with the Squadron. As well, 1985 marked the silver anniversary of the Cosmopolitan. During the same time period, the Challenger fleet was expanded to eight Aircraft. This expansion, in combination with the acquisition of the VIP mandate from Department of Transport, ensured a sustained high level of world-wide operations.
The consolidation of responsibility under DND for VIP administrative flight service substantially increased Squadron manning levels. Total Squadron personnel strength reached 120. In addition, changes to the Challenger fleet continued with the substitution of four 600 Series Challenger for four 601 Series Aircraft.
During May 1987 the De Havilland Dash 7 Aircraft stationed in Lahr, Germany was replaced by two De Havilland Dash 8 Aircraft, thus continuing a 412 Squadron presence in Europe. That presence ended in 1993 when all the Canadian Forces stationed in Europe returned to Canada.
412 Squadron went through some major changes in 1994 when the government decided to close Canadian Forces Base Ottawa. The Squadron was downsized from more than 120 persons to it's current strength of 29. The Cosmopolitan fleet was retired during that summer and the Squadron relocated from Uplands to the Transport Canada hangar on the civilian side of the Ottawa airport. The Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Jr Annex (412 's squadron current work place) was officially opened on January 11th 1995.
At the same time, Transport Canada assumed responsibility for the maintenance of 412 (T) Squadron's remaining four 601 Challengers. During the following years, this relationship evolved and matured. The result is a more economical, efficient and effective Administrative Flight Service.
Challenge and achievement are more than ever the hallmarks of 412 (Transport) Squadron. The present Squadron personnel reflect with great pride on a unit with an unbroken record of service since 1939. The Squadron faces the future with confidence and optimism based more than 60 years of tradition.
Original cache content : Log book, pencil, Sqn crest.
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