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.
