Page 35 - World Airshow News Autumn 2024
P. 35

Major Handy leads the
                                                                                            Snowbirds through the
                                                                                            Big Diamond Roll during
                                                                                            the 2024 EAA AirVenture
                                                                                            in Oshkosh (photo by Jim
                                                                                            Froneberger).







         WAN:  If you could not do what you do now, what would you do?   It’s a very “hands and feet” flying job which connects with my
         BH: Despite getting a year older every October, I still identify   personal passions for flying.
       very much with my 22-year-old self. I have a long list of things   The other best part is connecting with Canadians as an
       I want to do when I grow up, but anything that involves travel   ambassador of the Canadian Forces. Seeing what we do spark a
       and exploring other parts of the world is always intriguing. I do   love of flying in our fans means a lot to me and my fellow team
       love the Canadian Rockies and dream of getting to know those   members.
       mountains with a home base in Revelstoke.
         I was lucky to take a bit of a sabbatical after leaving the RCAF
       at the 20-year mark in 2019, and my family and I lived aboard
       and traveled on a small sailboat throughout the Bahamas, Cuba,
       and Mexico. That was a real privilege and we’d like to revisit this
       lifestyle. It’s just so rewarding and we met such good friends in
       that environment.

         WAN:  What words of advice would you give to a youth if they
       asked about becoming part of the RCAF/ARC?
         BH: Decide on your goal and strive for it. If you want to be
       a pilot or other officer occupation in the RCAF, there are many
       paths to achieve this goal. Military colleges are an option, as is
       direct entry for those with degrees from civilian universities.
       There are also college entry plans for aviators that open from time
       to time, not to mention various commissioning from the ranks
       plans which are open to members of the military.
         We are also always looking for technicians and support
       personnel. If your passion or goal is fixing airplanes, then perhaps
       the RCAF would be a good fit for you. Without our team of
       technicians and support personnel, the flying would not happen.
         Talk with current and former members of the RCAF, and the
       recruiting staff, to get an understanding of the jobs and to help
       find where you could fit in the RCAF. The recruiting website
       (www.forces.ca) is a good starting point.
         WAN:  One final question, what is the best part about being a
       Snowbird?
         BH: For me, being a Snowbird pilot is the best, because our   Major Brent Handy (photo courtesy of the Snowbirds).
       job is to fly as well as we possibly can, and we all share that focus.



                                             World Airshow News   35  Quarter 4, 2024
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