Increased air traffic in North Saanich starting Tuesday for Comox squadron rescue training

Increased air traffic in North Saanich starting Tuesday for Comox squadron rescue training
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CC-138 Twin Otter (front) and CC-115 Buffalo (rear). Photo courtesy Department of National Defence.

CC-138 Twin Otter (front) and CC-115 Buffalo (rear). Photo courtesy Department of National Defence.

The 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from Comox will be conducting realistic search and rescue training exercises out of Victoria Aiport this week.

In a public service announcement, 19 Wing Comox says the training scenarios are designed to be realistic and will include multiple agencies, running from Tuesday to Thursday.

The defence department says Victoria residents may notice an increase in local air traffic, in particular with flights by the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, the CC-115 Buffalo and the CC-138 Twin Otter, fixed-wing aircraft.

The aircraft are recognizable by their distinct yellow paint schemes.

CH-149 Cormorant. Photo courtesy Department of National Defence.

CH-149 Cormorant. Photo courtesy Department of National Defence.

19 Wing Comox says most exercises are unlikely to be seen by the public except when transitioning back to the airport.

The Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue will partner in the training sessions with military search and rescue personnel.

The Canadian Armed Forces says people are welcome to watch the training scenarios on land but are asked to maintain at least 100 metres from the activity

Boaters should stay at least 400 metres away if viewing from the water.

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