RCAF low flying training stirs up more excitement at County’s hospital

The chopper came in low to the hospital’s helipad, but did not land, as hospital board members, officials and representatives of the Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance scattered to safety. – Sue Capon photo

A Search and Rescue helicopter believed to be part of Royal Canadian Air Force tactical low flying training this week in the County, further stirred up excitement Thursday morning of a major significant donation toward the County’s new hospital.

In commemoration of their 146th anniversary Oct. 31, Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurace representatives were presenting $1.5 million toward the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s Back the Build campaign. (Click here for full story).

The chopper came in low to the hospital’s helipad, but did not land, as hospital board members, officials and representatives of the Bay of Quinte Mutual Insurance scattered to safety.

With the helicopter quickly on its way, and the stirred up leaves settled, hospital foundation executive director Shannon Coull thanked Bay of Quinte Mutual  for being the first company to come forward with a major gift, and joked that not everybody gets a special fly-by saluting their donation.

The RCAF training has been taking place mainly near Point Petre Oct. 19-30. Participating are the CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook helicopters along with the CC-130J Hercules and the CF-188 Hornet. These RCAF aircraft will assist the Canadian Army in aircraft identification training.