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9th Jul 2013

Enterprise Rewarded

Among the Trophies presented to 134 (Bedford) Squadron at the Wing Field Day Presentations held on 30 June 2013, was the Enterprise Trophy. This trophy was presented to acknowledge the Squadron’s efforts in arranging additional flying and gliding opportunities during what has been a very challenging year for Air Cadet sponsored flying.

When the instances of atrocious weather are also coupled with the technical serviceability challenges that have occurred to both of the powered aircraft used by the Air Cadets, the statistics are stark. In a little over a year, the Squadron received 1hr 40 minutes of ‘official’ Air Cadet flight time.

Squadron Staff spent a considerable amount of time and effort in securing a number of additional flights thereby promoting and keeping the “Air” in Air Cadet. A significant contribution to enabling the cadets to get into the air has been the Squadron’s relationship with the Four Counties Gliding Club (4CGC) based at RAF Wittering.

In the same period 66 Cadet sorties were flown organised by the Squadron, with a total additional flying hours achieved of 49 hours 35 minutes.

Despite the considerable strictures put on operational squadrons in all three services, the Squadron managed to arrange the extra cadet flying over the year in a variety of aircraft such as Tiger Moths, Beech King Airs, Sea King, Tri Star and Voyager, and ASK21 gliders. Other flights in the E3D Sentry and Sea King have been arranged and are scheduled in the near future.

The Squadron’s Training Officer (Air), CI Vladek Cirin said,” The Squadron staff involved in arranging these additional flights are most grateful to be given this award. It recognises the considerable efforts made by the staff to keep the “Air” in Air Cadets at the forefront of what we are trying to do namely, to promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people – by getting the cadets in the air.”