Meet Mike Pape, B. Sc. E.E. 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Air Force ~ O Canada, indeed!!

I'm thrilled to share with you my latest Pilot Spotlight!! Before I get into this Rockstar Pilot, let me share a tidbit about my background for some context. I'm what they call a "Military brat". I grew up overseas on Miltary bases. I have a great appreciation for the Military community, exemplary examples like my Father who served, and the Life that I knew being part of the Military Family. Part of what I'm grateful for through that experience is my enthusiasm to make connections with International friends. 

Speaking of international connections, one great thing about social media is it has vast possibilities to make connections with anyone engaging globally. I have been admiring Mike's aviation adventures through his posts on Instagram. I'm excited to have him as my very 1st (there's only ONE first:-)) International Military Pilot interview! I reached out to Mike with a request to answer my questions and he stepped up to the challenge like a Champ! :-)

Follow him on Instagram (mikediggspape) or Twitter (@mikediggspape) to see his inspiring journey, catching glimpses of his military training, his passion for aviation, his growth as he excels, and his learnings shared in video clips (i.e.., sound advice about keeping the plane clean:-)) or reflections in his comments. The joy and pride in what he is accomplishing is evident. I dig it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the responses Mike provided to the 5 questions I have posted on my site www.wingsconnect.com. The intent of my Featured Pilot Spotlight interviews, like this one here, is to give myself, along with my growing audience of fellow aviation loving aviators, more insider exposure to different flying experiences worldwide! I find a connection in each interviewee and a mutual, but unique internal fire that shines in each pilot I've made a connection with via in-person and online. 

I love learning, challenging myself and growing. I find the responses shared provide me with insights, good food for thought, inspiration and excitement! There is something incredibly special about learning from others willing to share their passion and real life aviation experiences. Reading these responses enhances my learning process and fuels my passion for flying. I hope it does for you, too! 

Too good to keep these responses and action pictures to myself, I geniunely love sharing these interviews with fellow aviation lovers so you can enjoy getting to know these pilots a bit more, too! Share the interviews after you read them. You never know who you may impact positively by inspiring another to take flight! 

We all accomplish things. Great things are never accomplished alone. There is always a Team supporting, be it any combination of Family, Friends, Peers, Juniors, Crew, and list goes on. Whether you realize it or not, like it or not, we are connected to more than just what we do. People are watching, learning, and possibly being inspired by your actions. Make who you are and what you do in Life count. Be a Great example. Double dare you!!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you Mike Pape, B. Sc. E.E., Second Lieutenant | Sous-Lieutenant, Royal Canadian Air Force | Aviation royale du Canada ! WooHoo!!:-)

• Question 1: Tell me your Love at First Flight story and how you fell in love with aviation - where & when was your first flight? Also, what did you fly?

I fell in love with aviation at a very young age. It largely was influenced by my father who was a CF18 fighter pilot during the 1980's. He would come home from work in his slick, black flight suit, donning his Canadian flag, and the faint aroma of jet fuel. He was consistently filled with pride and excitement for his job. I loved hearing about his stories as a child. 

Later on when he retired from the military and began flying with Air Canada, I thought it was amazing that he was able to travel the country and still be home a substantial amount of time. He was always a huge inspiration and a really active parent (coaching soccer, baseball, walking the dog, coming to recitals, and school events). It amazed me how much his career seemed to allow for him to be there for his family while still affording him the freedom to "hop on a plane" and go explore.

• Question 2: What is the best advice you can give to fellow pilots?

Aviation is a life long journey of improving and learning about the wonder of flight. You can never be the perfect pilot, but you can always strive for perfection. Above all you always want to be safe, but remember to seek out other more experienced pilots for advice on how you can keep challenging yourself to improve. Take some lessons on a new type of plane you haven't flown before, get a new rating (try an aerobatic rating), and keep polishing your skills and workflows. Never let your love for aviation become stagnant because you are doing the same mundane thing trying to build hours, with some final destination in mind.

Life is a journey, not a destination. You should enjoy every hour of flight you rack up in the air and you should ALWAYS have points to improve and work on every flight. Use very specific techniques and things you want to change while you are flight planning like "I want to see if I can touch down exactly with my landing gear on the centerline, no more than a foot off every landing this flight". Leave behind the idea of improving vague general ideas like "I want to improve my aircraft control". Be specific and seek out guidance for techniques and tips on how to improve in very determinant ways every flight. I try to work on a minimum of 3 distinct items per mission.

• Question 3: What is your favorite part of being involved in aviation?

My favorite part of being involved in aviation is the pride I feel when I put on my flight suit and I see the Canadian flag staring back at me. The RCAF is internationally known for turning out world class pilots and we definitely have a very demanding selection process and training regime. I'm inspired to put in 110% effort every day when I know how many people would love to have this opportunity I have been given. 

I love learning the techniques and training maneuvers that are specific to the military program most of all. The closed pattern, overhead break, formation flying, low level navigation, and advanced aerobatics are some of my favorites.

• Question 4: What is the best eating spots you've found in your aviation travels?

I really have never been one to fly somewhere to eat although I have heard it is a really fun idea.

• Question 5: What are your favorite airports that you've flown into and why?

I love flying out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw CYMJ presently. Never before have I seen so many high performance military aircraft flying in such close proximity. Because of the fast paced training program that goes on here, this airfield technically is the busiest airport in Canada during the day. A constantly thorough look out, solid knowledge of wing procedures for low approaches, go-arounds, break outs, radio terminology, and arrival/departures are what keep us from running into each other. It's truly a sight to see the first time you're taking off on the outer runway and to your right you see a Hawk formation taking off from the inner, a Harvard above you doing an overhead break, and another Harvard flying a low approach in-between the runways. It can be challenging at times, but we make it happen. In the Air Force, there's really no life like it.

Sweeeet shot here!

The Harvard II CT156, also know as the Texan T6 II around the world. Mike trains on it. Photo by 2Lt. Savaria. at 15 Wing Moose Jaw

Mike, gold medal for this excellent pose! Represent!:-)

High altitude selfie Rocks!

Cool picture!

Mike, HUGE thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and responses with me and my audience! I look forward to seeing more, through your posts shared, as you continue to excel in the Royal Canadian Air Force! 

If you ever make it to Virginia, drop me a line. You've got an international aviating friend in me!:-) We have got some Amazing sights here, coast to coast!

Happy and Safe Flying, Always!