7859

 7859 Jean-Pierre Lacasse

 Summer 69: PFS (Primary Flying School) CFB Borden, Ontario

Fall 69 – Summer 70: 1 CFFTS (Canadian Forces Flying Training School), CFB Gimli, Manitoba, pilot wings awarded July 1970.

Summer 70 – Spring 71: Holdover flying, 2 CFFTS CFB Moose Jaw flying the Tutor. There were no cockpits available for us because of many NATO bases and squadrons being closed down. At the same time, some of those squadrons were reorganized as ground forces support units flying helicopters. A major part of wings graduates at that time were cross trained to fly helicopters therefore:

 

 

Huey

Spring 71: Helicopter conversion course, 3 CFFTS CFB Portage-La-Prairie, Manitoba flying the Hiller 12E

10 July 71: Married my 4th year sweetheart, we celebrated our 53rd this year (2024)

Summer 71 – Summer 74: 430 Sqn CFB Valcartier, flying the Twin Huey.

Highlights of this tour:

Spring 72: deployment to Jamaica in support of a jungle warfare exercise by the Airborne Regiment. Valuable experience flying in high density altitudes and high temperatures.

Summer 73: deployment to Spencer Bay (DEW line radar station) in support of the Mapping and Charting Establishment of Ottawa to transport surveyors to various survey sites. Their time on site was approximately 2 hours during which we had to wait. We used that waiting time to find some likely lake or river nearby to wet a lure. Best fishing I ever encountered. Near the station, there was a river mouth where arctic char were waiting for the ice to melt so they could go upstream to spawn. One afternoon, the purpose of the fishing was to retrieve our lure fast enough so that none were able to catch it. The water was literally boiling with fish behind it.

We gave lots of fresh fish to our cook, many of our meals were freshly caught char.

It was somewhat strange at first to bed down in daylight (24 hour daylight at that time of year), We had a day shift and a night shift. Amazing experience.

Summer 74 – summer 77: 3 CFFTS CFB Portage flying the Kiowa as a flying instructor. Very satisfying experience in seeing results in each student.

Highlight of this tour: spare pilot on the Dragonfly demonstration team.

First house purchase, first child, daughter Jessica born 2nd September 76.

Summer 77 – fall 78: 103 Rescue Unit, CFS Gander, flying the CH-113 Labrador helicopter.

Highlights of this tour: First standby ever, we were called out to a sinking ferry, the William Carson which had hit an ice floe pretty much in the same area where the Titanic sank. All was night flying, navigating using the antiquated DECCA system (icebergs are luminescent at night). When we arrived on scene, the s hip had sank, all survivors standing on ice floes. The first being to board our helicopter was a little black dog. Thanks to a joint effort of 103 RU, 413 SQN and the Canadian Coastguard, not a life was lost.

This link refers: https://nfldherald.com/the-sinking-of-the-m-v-william-carson/

Other highlights: ice fishing, fishing for salmon during the Eagle River VIP camp resupply, Field mess dinner and trout fishing at Binderman lake. Going blueberry picking under the powerlines. Started to be involved seriously in photography, member of a photoclub for the first time, first darkroom, first award in a photo contest.

Fall 78 – spring 81: Recruiting centre Montreal. Nice to have a job that saw me home most nights.

Highlights: son Alex born 17th April 80, member and president of the CFB St. Hubert camera club.

Spring 81 – summer 84: #1 RSU, CFB St. Hubert, flying the Kiowa helicopter once again as an instructor. The Air Reserve was transitioning from the Single Otter to the Kiowa and were in need of converting from fixed wing to rotary. Another very rewarding job seeing the progress made by students.

During this tour, I was the Base Flight Safety officer.

I also had an engine failure and landed the helicopter safely. For which I received a Good Show award.

Check out this Flight Comment magazine, page 6,  https://flightcomment.ca/wp-content/uploads/1983/03/1983-4-eng.pdf

Summer 84 – summer 87: Area Cadet Officer Eastern Ontario district. Responsible for Air and Sea cadets in Eastern Ontario based in Trenton. Since we had the proximity to service flights to CFB Lahr

in Germany, I was also responsible for the 2 Air Cadet Squadrons locater one in Lahr the other one in Baden-Baden. I had to visit those Squadrons 3 to 4 times a year. I have fond memories of Germany including the no speed limit driving on the autobahn. I got to know wonderful, dedicated people. We were part of Training systems and at the time, this group was tasked to develop a new standard of fitness testing for the CF. We were encouraged to use the Gym facilities daily which I took full advantage of. I developed a high standard of fitness which I have kept to this day.

Summer 87 - summer 91: 413 Squadron CFB Summerside, flying the CH-113 Labrador helicopter and being the CASARA (civilian air search and rescue association) liaison officer. I was responsible for training and assessing the various chapters of the association in the maritimes and eastern Quebec. I had the opportunity of meeting many dedicated civilian pilots who provided valuable support to SAR.

During the later part of ‘89, I developed serious back problems and was grounded from helicopter flying and retrained on the CC-115 Buffalo. During this posting, I developed a passion for woodworking and started a small home based business.

 

Summer 1991 – Summer 1994: CFB Trenton, Rescue Coordination Centre, rescue coordinator. In the beginning of ‘94, there was a CF reduction programme in force. I was offered a retirement package which I couldn’t refuse, I retired after 30 years of service.

After retirement, I had a successful woodworking business until 2012 at which time I decided to fully enjoy retirement.

In the fall of 2013, I moved to Brockville to get closer to the kids and grandkids, My daughter lives in Ottawa and my son and family live in Johnstown. I have 2 grandchildren, Ali born in 2009 and A.J. born the 25 of December 2013. Talk about a great Christmas present.

I am still an avid amateur photographer active in the Brockville photography club of which I have been the president twice and hold the position of outings coordinator.

Some of my photography can be seen here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/199341754@N04/

and here:

https://brockvilleareaphotoclub.smugmug.com/Galleries/Member-Galleries/n-tqrDDG/JP-Lacasse

All in all, I’ve had a satisfying career and an enjoyable retirement. This fall (2024) I have been retired the same amount of time as I have been in.

During pilot training, I had this poster on my wall.

One morning recently, I looked in the mirror and to my horror, I realized that I am that old man