14 Wing hosts April 16 Elevate Aviation effort to showcase life, career opportunities
Getting her hands dirty and knowing “I did that” drives Corporal Emily Tulloch, an aviation systems technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force at 14 Wing Greenwood’s 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron.
“The good part of the job is the job: doing the best you can, getting a plane flying after an engine change – it starts, it goes out and comes back,” Tulloch says. “I did that.”
Tulloch joined the Canadian Armed Forces as she finished high school, and was at basic training two weeks after graduation.
“My trade was a top choice: an opportunity to work with my hands and grow. My Dad was an avionics systems technician, so I looked up to him, and I saw the life he gave me. I could to that work, and do that for my family.”
Seeing yourself in an aviation career – military, or civilian – is just what the volunteers behind April 16’s (Aviation Career Exploration) ACE On Tour event at 14 Wing Greenwood aim to show up to 80 youth, ages 12 to 18. The wing hosted Elevate Aviation’s non-profit, cross-Canada initiative for the first time in 2024, and local organizer Master Corporal Caylen Dorrington is back leading the planning.
“We’re fostering the future generation,” Dorrington says. “You showcase yourself and what you do – or you don’t see it. Elevate is aimed at underrepresented groups – not just women, but diversity.”
Dorrington, also an AVN technician, was studying animal sciences before she joined the air force: her father was in the navy. While she and Tulloch can share their training and work opportunities as military aircraft technicians, the April 16 day will include a range of aviation-related careers.
“Aviation is not just a pilot,” she says. “There is aviation photography, procurement…. We have displays from the Air Cadets, IMP, Standard Aero, the Annapolis Valley Flight Training School, L3. 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron will have a static display of the CP140 Aurora, and bring their training aids for a hands-on experience.
“We have so much to our advantage – a beautiful space, and the whole wing has contributed.”
405 Squadron Honorary Colonel Sophie Saulnier has already been out drumming up interest in the ACE on Tour event. As a retired aerospace engineering officer, and a longtime volunteer with 4-H and the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum’s Grade 6 Flight Education program, she’s been selling just what’s on offer to community groups and middle and high school administrative and guidance staff through the winter. She’s already heard from adults asking to hold space for six to as many as 20 youth.
The ACE on Tour event is free for registered youth, ages 12 to 18; with room for 80 participants. It includes a day of presentations and aviation trade guest speakers, a BBQ lunch, aircraft and support static displays and more. Registration is due by March 31 at elevateaviation.ca/programs/ace-on-tour/?v=3978d1f1b618
