Air Experience Flying
Posted by admin on Thursday 8 April 2010 under 2010 | 
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Thursday 8th April 2010, saw cadets from the squadron enjoy one of the most popular activities available in the Air Training Corps- flying. Thankfully, unlike previous flying slots, the day began with perfect weather- not a cloud in the sky. So, in high spirits the group of nine cadets accompanied by Flt Lt Coles set off to RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire. RAF Wyton is primarily home to 57 Squadron, who are part of the elementary flying training school, training the next generation of RAF pilots. The squadron also parents the London university air squadron and of course for the cadets, 5 AEF. All of these squadron’s use the Grob 115e, or as the cadets know it: the Grob tutor.
Upon arrival to 5 AEF, we were met by the commanding officer who welcomed us and gave the mandatory safety brief, which has to be watched by everyone, as it covers all the information required to make sure the flying experiences are safe and above all fun. As soon as the brief was over, the first group of cadets, (two of whom had never flown before) were taken to be issued with their flying equipment. Flying then began almost immediately. During the 30 minute flights, cadets are given the chance to further their knowledge on aviation, take control of the aircraft and gain more knowledge about the RAF from their instructors, who have all served as pilots in the RAF. For the more experienced cadets, flying consisted of turning the world upside down in some aerobatics. A few cadets were even given the chance to fly their own aerobatic sequences.
The day was also a special one, for the students of 57 Squadron. At about 15:00 our flying had to temporarily stop because the students had one last sortie to fly. This sortie was a pass or fail trip and would determine if they would make it as a pilot in the RAF. After this trip- if successful- they had completed their basic flying course. In celebration of their graduation we were treated to a flypast from a Sea King search and rescue helicopter and finally a display from a Spitfire from Duxford.
The chatter in the minibus on the way back, showed that all cadets involved thoroughly enjoyed their flights and look forward to returning in the near future.
Flying is just one of the fantastic opportunities available to young people today so please feel free to explore the full range of activities available on one of the links above. Photographs from the day can be found in our gallery. Please feel free to browse at your leisure.
Submitted by Cadet Corporal Adams.
