Features
Scenes from Southport
Careers in Aviation Expo lands in Manitoba
October 30, 2022 By Jon Robinson and Anyssa Gates
Pilot Keith Kelly, a Ph I and Ph II Grob Instructor, as well as KF Aerospace’s Flight Safety Officer, discusses the industry and a Grob G120A rolled into Southport’s Hangar 5 for the career expo.
Photos: Anyssa Gates
More than 170 people attended the second leg of the Careers in Aviation Expo program held in mid-October at Manitoba’s Southport Aerospace Centre, just outside of Portage la Prairie and situated on one of the country’s most historic airfields, CYPG. The one-day event took place in Southport’s new Hangar 5, built in 2020, with 25 exhibitors on hand to help inspire a new generation of aviation professionals.
Following the first leg of the program held in May 2022 at Diamond Aircraft’s facility in London, Ontario, the second event was sponsored by Southport Aerospace Centre, Levaero Aviation, WestJet, KF Aerospace, Algoma University, Centennial College and Fanshawe College. With photography provided by Anyssa Gates, here are scenes from the Careers Expo in Southport, which for the first time welcomed this annual event, produced by Wings and Helicopters, in the province of Manitoba.
WestJet First Officer Theodore Hebert, as well as Captain John Blankestijn, hosted two packed mentoring sessions with aspiring pilots. PHOTOs: Anyssa Gates
Michel Treskin of Flair Airlines describes the opportunities and culture at one of Canada’s newest and fastest growing airlines.
Darryl Dowd, Chief Operations Officer, Southport Aerospace Centre, describes the growth of the company’s activities at CYPG.
Allison Mauro of Alkan Air, which has provided flight services for more than 40 years, including its flight academy.
Denis Vandermeulen, KF Aerospace’s Maintenance Manager in Southport, hosts a mentoring session about supporting the Canadian Armed Forces.
Nick Van Aalst of Level Flight describes the company’s approach to commercial pilot ground training during a mentoring session.
Pilots from Canadian Helicopters describe what it’s like working with one of Canada’s most prominent helicopter operators.
Team members from Mount Royal University discuss their aviation program in Alberta, which in October received a $8.1 million funding injection.
Sgt Christine Plume outlines the range of growing opportunities with the Canadian Armed Forces.
