The Pilot Mentor Program was launched in July 2008, by three young pilots participating in the 3265 NM Governor General’s Cup Mackenzie River Challenge adventure.

Private Pilots, Michaelle Dumont age 17, from Montreal Canada and Martin Leroux-Dennebouy* age 19, from France, accompanied by student pilot Camil Dumont Jr, age 15, reached Tuktuyaktuk last Canadian mainland settlement located  north of the Arctic Circle, onboard a Cessna 172, flying Visual all the way !!! This exceptional record was underlined by many media networks including:

*Martin then age 15,  was invited as support pilot, two years in a row by Robert Tyler, 2004 & 2005 Air Rally participant

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Teenage Pilots Reach 70 Degrees North

August 3, 2008 By Mary Grady, Contributing editor

A group of young pilots flying a Cessna 172 in an international air rally last week flew beyond the Arctic Circle to the 70th parallel, as they wrapped up a 10-day, 3,500 nm journey across Canada. Camil Dumont Jr., 15, of Quebec; Martin Leroux-Dennebouy, 19, of France, and Michaelle Dumont, 17, of Quebec, were taking part in a rally organized by Aviation Connection, a not-for-profit group based in Quebec that promotes general aviation. The annual rally brings together pilots from North America, Europe, and South Africa for a 10-day journey, and helps them to build long-lasting relationships. The group also offers a pilot mentor program to help young pilots gain experience, and starting with next year’s rally will sponsor young pilots with the help of Aviation Connection donors. About 20 airplanes took part in this year’s event, ranging from a Cirrus SR22 to a PC12 to a C5 Citation jet. Next year’s rally will also be held in Canada, with a route stretching from British Colombia to Newfoundland to Montreal, Quebec. (Copyright Aviation Publishing Group).

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In 2009, Aviation Connection celebrated 100 years of Canadian Aviation with the 6000 NM Governor General’s Cup Cross Canada 17 day Challenge inviting 4 young pilots and 2 instructors.

 

 The Pilot Mentor program is sponsored by:

 

Why the Pilot Mentor program is different from other incentive aviation related programs?

While aviation related organizations mobilize to introduce non Pilots to aviation, Aviation Connection brings solutions to providing support to Pilots engaged in a commercial pilot Career.

Why is this Flying experience valuable for  commercial pilots on the way to becoming pros ?

Commercial pilots are required to build hours. This is mostly done by instructing others, operating in a designated zone and near school facility. When applying for an airline,  intensive cross country log and cross border experience  is a significant advantage highly appreciated by commercial transporters.

Who covers the participation costs of a young commercial pilot?

Sponsorship grants make it possible for the young pilot to join without paying Rally registration fees that include accommodations and meals, ground transport and activities as per program.

Who can become a Mentor:

Ø Private Pilots registering for the Caribbean Air Rally, looking for a support qualified pilot to share commands during the entire Air Rally and often from point of origin (hometown) and back.

What advantages are associated to becoming a Pilot mentor?

-Budget: Aircraft registration fees are covered by Aviation Connection. Sponsorship can be acquired to support the team and applied towards the fuel cost.

-Security:  participant appreciates having a support pilot onboard to help with navigation. On occasion, the Pilot Mentor is not Instrument qualified and enjoys the presence of an IFR qualified pilot onboard to avoid falling behind in bad weather.

-Instruction: Often, rally participants are not experienced pilots. the Air Rally is an opportunity to build their confidence with the support of the Organisation. Having a young instructor onboard allows them to gain confidence and improve their flying skills.

The following is just one of many success stories…

Received from Robert Beaudry,  American Airline veteran Pilot and  proud father of Pete Beaudry (photo), 2011 Aviation Connection Mentoree

Bob Beaudry sent:        5 April, 2011 12:55

Dear Catherine and Camil words cannot express the joy you have brought me as a parent and a pilot. The opportunity that you gave my son is beyond incredible . Like Peter said you gave a commercial pilot the chance of a lifetime. Not only to fly your plane but to see and experiance all that the trip had to offer. I have to tell you that I am just overjoyed. I will never forget your kindness thankyou so much.     Sincerely

Bob Beaudry Sent from my iPhone

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 From:                        Robertbeaudry – Sent:                 3 august, 2011 10:59

Thank you so much for being a part in Petes progress. Pete found Star Marianas Air and is now flying for them. This airline is based on the island of Tinia and serves the islands of Saipan , Rota, Guam, and others . His contract is for one year. We are very proud of Pete and thankful to you and all who have given him the chance to pursue this exciting profession . Star Marianas Air operates six Cherokee 6s and hope to get Navajos in November. The flights are passenger and cargo. Check them out on the website. Pete says they need two more pilots. Quite an adventure over there. The Cherokee Six and island experience you gave Pete made him the perfect choice for his job at SMA . Hope AA can help your program out. Thanks again for what you do. Bobq

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February 2014, Pete became airline pilot for Republic Airways: Message: —–Message d’origine—– De : Robert Joseph Beaudry  Envoyé : February-12-14 1:31 PM À : Catherine Tobenas Objet : Pete Beaudry You gave Pete his first big opportunity. Thankyou. Bob

 

 

For more Information:

http://www.aviationconnection.org/
Contact : 450-969-2247
Mail : ctobenas@bellnet.ca