Jason “Duke” Smith’s aviation career began when he was accepted into the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) soon after completing his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Lethbridge. In 1992, upon attaining his pilot’s wings at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2CFFTS) Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan he was selected to stay on as an instructor where he progressed from line instructor pilot to the Standards Section and ultimately to the Flying Instructor’s School where he trained other newly assigned pilots as instructors.
Following his very rewarding time at 2CFFTS, Jason moved to Cold Lake, Alberta to fly the CF-18 multi-role fighter. Immediately upon becoming qualified as a combat ready wingman, he deployed with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron to Aviano Air Base, Italy where he flew combat missions in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Promoted to Major, Jason completed his F-18 assignment at Cold Lake before accepting an Exchange position at the US Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland AFB, NM where he worked as an aircraft mishap investigator for four years. He then returned to 2CFFTS where he instructed on the CT-155 Hawk jet as a Flight Commander, Operations Officer, and then Chief Flying Instructor.
Having completed 20 years in the RCAF, Jason retired and accepted an instructor pilot position with BAE Systems, PLC who had the contract to train Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He remained there for six years before deciding to return to the family cattle ranch where he was raised in Alberta, Canada. After several very satisfying years of ranch work in the foothills of the Rockies and many enjoyable hours on horseback, the allure of aviation beckoned again, and he enthusiastically accepted his current position with Aviation Performance Solutions.
