From May 1 to 25, 2023, people across the country may see a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-148 Cyclone operating in various cities throughout Canada. These activities are related to an operational cross-country transfer of a CH-148 Cyclone from 423 Maritime Helicopter (MH) Squadron, based in Shearwater, Nova Scotia, to 443 MH Squadron, based in Esquimalt, British Columbia. The transit will also include community outreach visits along the way.
During the transit the RCAF CH-148 Cyclone will be stopping at Canadian Forces Bases and other locations including:
- Montreal, QC;
- Ottawa (including Orléans), ON;
- Kingston, ON;
- Greater Toronto Area (including, Mississauga, Hamilton and Oshawa), ON;
- Peterborough, ON;
- Borden, ON;
- London, ON;
- Sault Ste. Marie, ON;
- Winnipeg, MB;
- Portage La Prairie, MB; and
- Moose Jaw, SK.
12 Wing conducts cross-country transfers to deliver helicopters from one maintenance or operational squadron to another.
Typically, the coast lines of Canada are where the RCAF maritime helicopter aircrews conduct operations. These types of transfers also provide us with the opportunity to engage with Canadians on a personal level while also showcasing the CH-148 Cyclone aircraft to residents in regions where the aircraft does not normally operate.
Members of the public may notice an increase in noise in the various regions as the aircraft flies past the area, and during take-offs and landings. RCAF aircraft flypasts and visits are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety. To ensure public safety, landing zones have been pre-coordinated and security will be on site for the visits.
