Captain Chris Gallinger and his crew landed a CH146 Griffon search and rescue helicopter in Acton’s Prospect Park on Sept. 9.
The stop gave air cadets a chance to view the aircraft.
A native of Rockwood, Gallinger began his career as an Air Cadet in the 197 Squadron out of Acton from 1998 to 2004.
The short Griffon stop gave the crew a chance to inspire current air cadets and allowed the public to see a search and rescue aircraft up close, outside of an emergency situation.
“This is your helicopter, we just fly it,” Gallinger said.
After graduating high school, Gallinger attended the Royal Military College of Canada.
He later began helicopter training in Bagotville, Quebec, where he is currently posted in the 439 Squadron.
Gallinger and his crew — made up of fellow Captain Paula Findlater and Corporal Sebastien Durand, flight engineer — were on their way back from an air show in London.
They were making two final stops before returning to their base in Quebec.
The Griffon is a utility tactical transport helicopter that has been in operation since 1995.
The Griffon’s primary use is to transport people.
The aircraft is equipped with a hoist that allows the crew to extract people, and a cargo hook that lets them transport cargo from almost any terrain.
“The only place I haven’t been is the desert,” Gallinger said with a laugh.
The aircraft can carry up to 13 people and can reach speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour.
