404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron - "Buffalo" http://www.airforce.forces.ca/14wing/squadron/404_e.cfm [URL Updated 07OCT2001 | URL Updated via Orlando Gallardo logallar@coqui.net [16MAR2001]
"...404 Maritime and Training Squadron is the primary training squadron for both Aircrew and Groundcrew on the CP 140 Aurora. As Well it operates the Aeromedical Training Unit. 404 traces its roots to Coastal Command, it was formed in April 1941. On 19 October 1979, the final technical course graduated from 404 and on 6 December 1979, the final MOAT course graduated; marking the end of Argus training in the Canadian Forces. Even before Argus training had ceased, some members of the Squadron had moved into the Hornell Centre and begun courses for the newly acquired CP-140 Aurora. The first Aurora course to be taught by 404 was the Connector Repair Course in September 1979. By the end of 1979, the move of 404 to the Hornell Centre was complete, and training activity increased. In 1980, 404 was tasked to convert all Maritime Air Group (MAG) aircrew personnel from the Argus aircraft to the Aurora. A total of 1716 personnel, 1360 technicians and 356 aircrew, were converted to the Aurora by the end of 1981, within two weeks of the date proposed six years earlier; a momentous task for a Squadron itself inexperienced on the Aurora. With the introduction of a steady state program in 1981, 404 resumed its role of Maritime Operational Aircrew Training (MOAT), this time on the Aurora aircraft, with a two-phased course. During phase 1 of the course, all ASW members learn the mechanics of the equipment related to their particular specialty. The pilots and flight engineers also undertake nine conversion flights. In phase II, the course members are divided in to three crews, and they receive two weeks of ASW related lectures, and 12 navigation and ASW training flights where their newly acquired knowledge is put into practice. 404 presently is capable of producing 24 Pilots, 12 Tactical Navigators, 36 Acoustic Sensor Operators, 36 Navigation Communicators, 36 Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators and 12 Flight Engineers per year. Technical Training The Technical Training program for the Aurora presently consists of no less than 30 different courses, the duration of which varies from three to 100 working days. All in all, 35 maintenance instructors produce about 500 graduates per year..."