Press Release

134 (Bedford) Squadron
Air Training Corps
Shortstown
Bedford
MK42 0TH

6th March 2008

Russell's Royal Round Robin

On Wednesday 5th March 2008 Cadet Warrant Officer Esther Russell flew in a BAE 146 with 32 (The Royal) Squadron, on a round-robin trip of the UK.

	Starting from RAF Northolt at 7:30am, CWO Russell was met by Cpl Burnett, the steward for the day. Following a safety briefing on the plane, the aircraft took off and headed towards Durham Tees Valley at 20,000 feet. CWO Russell watched from the ‘jump seat’ which is located just behind the pilot. After landing she was served with cooked breakfast on the aircraft.

	As the royal aircraft set out towards Glasgow, CWO Russell sat in VIP area. Then it was off to The Isle of Man for lunch.

	The busy City of London airport was the next destination for the BAE 146, where the aircraft was refueled and CWO Russell had an opportunity to look around the outside of the aircraft.

	After a short break it was off to Plymouth. Along the way, the aircraft flew across the countryside and flew over Dibgate, near Folkestone, a favourite camp location for Bedford cadets. As the aircraft flew into Plymouth CWO Russell braced herself for the planned but challenging landing on the short runway.
	Finally, it was back to RAF Northolt and along the way CWO Russell sat in the jump seat again and experienced flight at 6000 feet, just above the clouds, landing for the final time at RAF Northolt at 4:45pm.

CWO Russell was treated to an unforgettable day with 32 Squadron, the squadron was welcoming and friendly and this made the day complete.

CWO Russell said about the day, “The flight was amazing, a once in lifetime experience, I would like to thank everyone involved and I would recommend this trip to anyone!”