A trio of Eagles out of Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport are looking to earn their wings and soar this summer as they head to one of five civilian flying training centres and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton.

It's the first time in the 79-year history of 87 Eagle Squadron Welland Royal Canadian Air Cadets that three of its own - Flight Sgt. Evvi Libby, Warrant Officer Second Class Nicholas Norio and Sgt. Ethan Foster - were accepted for the national pilot scholarship program at one time.

Libby, in her fifth year with the air cadets, received her glider pilot licence last summer and has a few more hours to complete before she can take fellow cadets up in the air.

She's one of two from the squadron going through the seven-week power pilot scholarship program, which can lead to her earning a private pilot licence - valued at $15,000 - at no cost.

The course includes ground school and in-flight instruction.

Libby said a career in the aviation industry is something she is considering.

"It's really interesting to me," she said, adding she might like to be a commercial pilot.

"There are a lot of influential female pilots I look up to, that inspire me to do this."

Libby had a chance to meet pilots when the 43rd annual Air Race Classic - featuring all women pilots - stopped at the airport last year.

"They were really encouraging."

She also had the chance to meet the second-ever female Canadian Snowbirds pilot, Sarah Dallaire, at Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

"I had a chance to talk to her, get her autograph . overall, she was inspiring," said Libby, who loves the feeling of being in the air and flying with other cadets.

Norio, who has been with the cadets for the last five year, said his favourite part of flying is watching the faces of fellow cadets as they come down after their first flight.

He's also headed for the power pilot scholarship program, having obtained his glider pilot licence last year.

"I love everything about being up in the air . being able to see everything with a bird's-eye view, the solitary feeling in a glider, just you and the air," said Norio, adding it's a bit of adrenalin rush and relaxing at the same time.

He said the scholarship and obtaining his private pilot licence means a lot to him as it kicks off his career in the aviation industry.

"I might become a commercial pilot or possibly go into the military . I hope to fly a Hercules C-130. This is the first step to achieving that dream.

Foster will spend his time at CFB Trenton at Mountainview Airport as he works toward his glider pilot licence.

"I like being in the air, it's very peaceful . all by myself," said Foster, who has been with the cadets for the past four years.

He's looking forward to the scholarship program, which will allow him to fly fellow cadets in gliders once he gets his licence.

"I'd like to be a commercial pilot, but I am also looking at aircraft maintenance.

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"The steps I am taking as a cadet will help me achieve my dream of going into the aviation field," said Foster.

Capt. Ann-Marie Norio, 87 Eagle Squadron's deputy commanding officer, said every year cadets have an opportunity to apply for the national courses.

"The process to obtain a scholarship has cadets writing an exam where they review aviation knowledge, meteorology, navigation . those types of things," she said, adding students are interviewed and have their files reviewed for activities and participation throughout their cadet career.