Public Service Announcement: Petawawa and Surrounding Region to Host Royal Canadian Air Force Basic Tactical Aviation Course

Public Service Announcement

Petawawa and Surrounding Region to Host Royal Canadian Air Force Basic Tactical Aviation Course

May 13, 2026 – Kingston, Ont. – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

From 19 May to 15 June 2026, the Basic Tactical Aviation Course will be conducted from Garrison Petawawa, Ontario. Training activities will occur throughout Renfrew County, Ontario, and the Pontiac region of Quebec. During this period, residents may observe Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook helicopters from 1 Wing operating at low altitudes within authorized training areas.

Several landowners across the region have voluntarily granted access to their properties to support this training. Their cooperation enables more realistic operational environments for course candidates. Low-level flying operations are planned in the following municipalities: Madawaska Valley, Bonnechere Valley, Town of Deep River, Laurentian Valley, Laurentian Hills, North Algona Wilberforce, Pembroke, and Whitewater Region in Ontario; and Mansfield-et-Pontefract, Sheenboro, Otter Lake, Lac-Nilgaut, and L’Isle-aux-Allumettes in Quebec.

The course will employ armed infantry forces and simulated enemy forces to conduct realistic aviation-borne operations. Residents may notice the use of blank ammunition and pyrotechnics, including flares and smoke. These effects are part of a controlled simulation designed to replicate battlefield conditions and enhance realism for participating personnel. There is no cause for concern.

Simulated enemy forces will be identifiable by orange hunting caps and orange or yellow reflective armbands worn on the left arm. All weapons will be clearly marked with a red adhesive band around the handguard, and those employing blank ammunition will be equipped with a blank firing adapter. No blank ammunition will be used outside designated Land User Agreement areas or the Garrison Petawawa ranges. Local authorities will be provided with the details of all simulations.

The Basic Tactical Aviation Course is designed to develop leadership and tactical expertise required to plan and execute complex aviation missions involving helicopter formations. Through rigorous training in complex environments, the course ensures pilots can deliver relevant tactical aviation effects in support of Division-level combat operations, reinforcing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s ability to project power and support joint missions at home and abroad.

Helicopter operations may generate unfamiliar noise and attract public attention. All flying operations conducted by the Royal Canadian Air Force are carefully planned and closely supervised to ensure public safety. These operations are subject to weather and flying conditions.

Associated Links:

1 Wing Kingston

https://www.canada.ca/.../corporate/wings/1-wing.html...

CH-146 Griffon

https://www.canada.ca/.../services/aircraft/ch-146.html...

CH-147 Chinook

https://www.canada.ca/.../services/aircraft/ch-147f.html...

Contact:

Sub-Lieutenant Meagan Pye

Public Affairs Officer

1 Wing Headquarters

Tel: 613-403-6871

Email: Meagan.pye@forces.gc.ca