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19th February 2008

Aerobatic Adventures

Barrel roles, stall turns and loops were the order of the day for 8 Air Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron when they took the controls of Grob Tutor T1 aircraft at Royal Air Force Wyton, Cambridgeshire. 

Cdt Morse performs pre-flight checks before take off

Flying is a core element of life in the Air Cadets and there are a number of Air Experience Flights located around the Country staffed by qualified Royal Air Force Pilots tasked with giving Cadets aged 13 – 20 with flying experience.

The Cadets from Bedford travelled to RAF Wyton on Saturday 16th February 2008, where 5 Air Experience Flight is located. Following safety briefings, parachute and flying clothing issues the Cadets walked out to their aircraft and took to the skies.

Grob Tutor T1 Aircraft

Each individual sortie lasted approximately 30 minutes and the Cadets were able to take the controls and fly the aircraft alongside their pilots. Taking advantage of the clear blue skies the Cadets practiced their aerobatic manoeuvres, handling skills and navigation as they flew around the Cambridgeshire countryside.

The Cadets were not the only ones to take to the skies and two staff members accompanying the Cadets also flew. Warrant Officer Taylor was able to hone his flying skills performing several loops during his sortie at the end of the morning.

The seven cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron following their flights

For Cadet Matthew Stringer, 15 yrs, it was his very first flight with the Air Cadets and having taken the controls and experienced a loop he returned to the airfield describing the experience as “Awesome”.

Warrant Officer Taylor, who accompanied the Cadets on the visit to RAF Wyton, said of the days flying, “It was great to see the Cadets enjoying themselves and returning to earth with smiles from ear to ear. Flying is the best of the activities we offer our young people and I know that they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”