Complex, challenging and frustrating as the past months may have been, 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis welcomed two of the newest flight engineers to the CP140 Aurora fleet to “the Government of Canada’s premier international force.”
Corporal Mitchell Kaehler and Corporal Kyle VanTol were both presented their wings in a graduation ceremony April 12 at the Annapolis Mess for FE MOAT 2302 (Maritime Operational Aircrew Training). Both joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as aviation systems technicians, but have been at 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron in recent months taking their flight engineer trade course.
“The Aurora CP140 is a complex aircraft system to learn, and you’ve likely found some of the past months frustrating – but very rewarding,” Davis said. “Welcome to the long range patrol force, the Government of Canada’s premier international force, due to the hard work of your new colleagues at 405 and 407 squadrons. You’ll now get to be a part of that.”
Davis cautioned both men their new role comes with new responsibilities “to keep learning, that you are aware of the transitions coming, and that you are critically important.
“You’ve earned the trust of your comrades and the air force – maintain that. Continue working hard, get settled into your new units’ environments and get to know your crew as team mates.”
Kaehler now follows in his father, Mike’s, footsteps, as a flight engineer. Kaehler joined the RCAF in 2016 as an AVN Tech on the Aurora, posted to 14 Air Maintenance Squadron, working with 415 (Long Rnge Patrol and Force Development) Squadron on the Block IV project, and deploying with Op Caribe to El Salvador.
VanTol joined the RCAF in 2006 to become an AVN Tech, with his first posting at 410 Squadron in Cold Lake on the CF188. He then taught servicing at 10 (Field Technical Training) Squadron for a year, then posted to 431 Squadron to work on the Snowbirds for seven years. He pursued FE training for a “new perspective” and, as a trained flight engineer, he now joins 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood.
Corporal Mitchell Kaehler, right, was presented his flight engineer wings by 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis April 12, upon completion of training at 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron.
Corporal Kyle VanTol, right, was presented his flight engineer wings by 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis April 12, upon completion of training at 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron.
