CANADORE COLLEGE
Canadore College and YYB North Bay Jack Garland Airport partner on aircraft emergency response training

Canadore College and YYB North Bay Jack Garland Airport are partnering to repurpose Canadore's Boeing 727 freighter as a full-scale aircraft emergency response training aid.

The aircraft, which is more than 150 feet long and weighs approximately 100,000 pounds (45,000 kilograms), was previously used to support Canadore's aviation maintenance programs in North Bay. It has been repositioned at YYB to support hands-on training, professional development and collaboration among airports, emergency responders, aviation organizations and other agencies.

The Boeing 727 will provide a controlled setting where participants can practice skills needed to respond to complex aviation emergencies. It will also remain available for other community uses, including film and television productions.

While major aviation emergencies are rare, airports, aircraft operators and emergency agencies need to maintain the skills and readiness to respond. Access to a full-size commercial aircraft for training can be limited, particularly for regional airports and municipalities.

The partnership brings together Canadore's aviation education experience and YYB's facilities and operational capacity. North Bay's aviation sector includes educational institutions, aerospace businesses and specialized expertise, creating opportunities for local and visiting organizations to train together.

The Boeing 727 will support both static and dynamic training activities. Participants will be able to practice aircraft familiarization, emergency access, incident command and response procedures. The aircraft may also be used for controlled recovery, stabilization, lifting, movement and equipment deployment exercises. These activities will support training for aviation students and industry professionals.

"Canadore is proud to work with YYB to make this aircraft available for practical training that supports emergency preparedness and the aviation sector," said Brad Gavan, Executive Director at Canadore College. "This partnership builds on North Bay's aviation strengths and gives students and industry professionals valuable opportunities to learn by doing. The aircraft's continued availability for film and television productions also creates another way to support our local community."

"This initiative is another example of North Bay's growing capacity in aviation training and operations," said Bryan Avery, Airport Manager, North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation. "The Boeing 727 adds a specialized training resource to the expertise already available here, including flight training, aircraft modification, engineering and manufacturing. We look forward to working with Canadore and other partners to develop opportunities that support Canada's aviation industry."

By making specialized exercises more accessible, the shared training environment will encourage cooperation, knowledge-sharing and consistent response practices. It may also bring visiting training groups, professional development programs and new industry collaborations to the region.

The aircraft will also remain available for non-aviation uses, including opportunities with North Bay's film and television industry, industry demonstrations and other creative projects. These uses extend the partnership's value to the broader community.