So why train in Labrador? The quality of flight
training in Goose Bay is like none other. Our vast territory and sparse
population ensures that a high level of safety is maintained. Great care
is taken to see to it that sensitive areas of both human and wildlife
habitation are avoided.
On a tactical level Goose Bay is fog free with
clear visibility 95 percent of the time, ensuring that your flight
schedules will not be hampered due to poor weather conditions. The
training area measures 130 000 squared kilometers, with 100 000
kilometers accessible at all times. The Practice Target Area (PTA),
where drops are conducted, is circular and measures approximately 175
kilometers squared. Click here for a map of the training area.
Located only six hours from central Europe, Goose
Bay is the closest military training area in North America to Europe. As
a result, European participants training in Labrador can expect their
transportation rates to be at a minimum. Additionally, housing and
grocery costs in Goose Bay have proven to be cheaper than the Canadian
national average. We understand that ones training budgets may be
strained and for that reason we are always looking for new ways to
reduce costs to our participant nations without compromising the high
quality service that you have come to trust from us.
5 Wing Goose Bay has been home to European air
forces for over 50 years. Our experience combined with our natural
advantages have proven to be our most important assets. In addition to
its varied topography (which makes it an ideal location for low-level
flying), our training program operates at a squadron level giving
participants the rare opportunity to fly with other allied forces.
Each of the participants training in Goose Bay
rotate their flight squadrons for two week training cycles to maximize
the value and quality of their training. During the training season
(March to October inclusive) the training participants rotate
approximately 1500 personnel per two week cycles. This amounts to a
total of over 8400 personnel circulating through 5 Wing on a yearly
basis.
The Government of Canada has taken great care to
foster positive relations with local aboriginal groups and to ensure
that effective environmental protections are in place. During the flying
season ninety-eight percent of the training area is exposed to less than
one flight per day. The result is that any countries participating in
flight training at 5 Wing can rest assured that they are part of an
environmentally friendly green program.
Labradorians recognize the importance of close
partnerships with our European allies and strive to make them feel at
home away from home. Our people have a reputation for our hospitality
and heartfelt sincerity. The recent September 11th attacks in
the United States resulted in the diversion of a number of commercial
aircraft to our province and the media were quick to recognize the fact
that we took these people into our hearts and homes.
In recent years the Town of Happy Valley - Goose
Bay in conjunction with the local business community has initiated and
promoted Allied Appreciation Week. During this event allied personnel
are recognized for their service through numerous social events,
ceremonies, and commercial discounts.
5 Wing Goose Bay offers all the amenities
available at larger centers, while remaining a small close-knit
community. The barracks and private married quarters (PMQ’s) are located
close to your workplace so it is only a short walk to work. There is a
par 3 golf course located on the Base which is available for use free of
charge. Other recreational facilities located on the Base include a
theater, a fitness gym and sports complex, numerous bars, and a bowling
ally. For those who enjoy the great outdoors there is no greater place
than Labrador. With hundreds of kilometers of untouched country in every
direction there is no shortage of outdoor activities to partake in
whether it be camping, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling,
photography or bird watching.
Should you choose to train at our Base we know
that you will not be disappointed.