Canadore students are learning on a Coast Guard helicopter

Canadore College students in the Aviation Technical program are getting training on a coast guard helicopter.

The BO105 helicopters were in service for over 30 years and now Canadore students get to work on them.

Ahmed Obaide is the associate dean of the program.

He says three of their instructors are familiar with this type of helicopter and that gives the students an advantage in learning all about it.

“While other colleges are looking to train their faculty members to be able to utilize the aircraft we were able to utilize it from day one for the mechanical and instrument aspect,” he says.

Canadore is one of ten educational institutions receiving the BO105.

Nipissing-Temiskaming MP Anthony Rota says receiving training on this vehicle gives the students an advantage when they they move to their careers.

“When you’ve got an actual machine to work it’s an added advantage. There are several vehicles that students can work on and gain experience. When they do get out into the workforce they leave here perfectly trained and hit the ground running,” Rota says.

(photos by station staff)