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Kingswood cadets hosted by the United States Air Force

In late October 2002 (Kingswood) Squadron were fortunate to be given the opportunity to spend a full day at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.

The United States Air Force were our gracious and most welcoming hosts. The cadets were looked after by the Public Affairs team attached to the 100th Air Refuelling Wing who ensured a full and exciting program of visits throughout the day.

In the morning the cadets had the opportunity to visit the Control Tower and see first hand what a busy, operational air base looks like from an elevated position. They also had an insight into the complex role of the Meteorological Team and the part that the British weather plays in US Air Force operations!

This was followed by the chance to meet two members of the Birds of Prey Team on the base and their hard working Harris Hawk and Peregrine Falcon, responsible for keeping the airfield free of other birds. The morning was rounded off with a visit to the Air Traffic Control Simulator where Controllers are trained and their skills put to the test.

A well earned lunch was spent in the BX with the expected attractions of Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell etc. This gave the cadets a real feel for life on a US Airbase with all the hustle and bustle of Service personnel coming and going during their lunch break.

Once replete, it was time to visit operational squadrons located to south of the airfield.

Members of flight crew from the resident 351st Air Refuelling Squadron conducted a briefing for the cadets in the Squadron HQ before we boarded a bus to the hard standing areas.

The first aircraft visited was the impressive and immaculate KC-135 Stratotanker of the 351st Air Refuelling Squadron. The cadets were given a tour of the aircraft and all had the chance to try out the refuelling boom operator’s position as well as taking a seat in the cockpit. The crew happily showed the cadets around and answered all of their questions.

KC135 Stratotanker of the 351st Air Refuelling Squadron

Taking the KC-135 crew with us, a short bus ride to another area of hard standing brought us to the awe inspiring CV-22 Osprey of the 7th Special Operations Squadron (352d Special Operations Wing). Again, the reception was warm and welcoming as the crew of this incredible aircraft took time to show the cadets around and answer questions.

2002 and hosts in front of a CV-22 Osprey of the 7th Special Operations Squadron

The final visit of the day was to the MC-130J Commando II of the 67th Special Operations Squadron. Yet again, the cadets were welcomed aboard by patient and friendly members of the crew who were more than happy to show off their aircraft and answer questions.

MC-130J Commando II of the 67th Special Operations Squadron

For the cadets of 2002 (Kingswood) Squadron this was a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. The hospitality afforded the Squadron by the United States Air Force was second to none. It was a full, interesting and very exciting day that will be talked about for many years to come.

The staff and cadets of 2002 who were lucky enough to experience this visit, extend their warmest thanks to those within the United States Air Force who made this visit possible.

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Former RAF Air Cadet about to take off on Jet2.com pilot apprenticeship

Andrew Green, a former 2328 (Bishop’s Cleeve) Squadron cadet, explains how he achieved his dream job with Jet2.com and thanks RAF Air Cadet staff for their help, instruction and guidance.

“I knew from an early age I wanted to be a commercial airline pilot, and I realised the Air Cadets were the best organisation to help me achieve this. I joined my local Air Cadet Squadron, 2328 (Bishop’s Cleeve), in February 2010, about a week after my thirteenth birthday. I was immediately immersed in all of the things that sparked my interest with the cadets; expeditions, shooting, aviation themed lessons, and of course, flying and gliding. The Air Cadets allowed me to have my first experience at the controls of a light aircraft and I was lucky enough to be able to fly all three throughout my time as a cadet; The Grob Tutor, Vigilant, and Viking.

My first flight in the Grob Tutor

“In 2013, I was eligible for a Gliding Scholarship. I had wanted to achieve my silver wings and go solo since joining the cadets and after applying for the course, I was able to complete the gliding scholarship in November 2013 at RAF Little Rissington, in the Grob Vigilant, achieving my eagerly anticipated silver wings after completing one solo circuit of the airfield. It’s certainly a day I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. From that point on, I was certain that flying was a career path I wanted to embark on.

“During 2015, my final year of A-Levels, I applied to CTC Aviation (Now L3 CTS); a well-regarded flight school that could take people “From Zero to Hero”. It’s a highly competitive and highly intensive course, allowing people with very few flying hours to reach the required amount of hours to achieve a commercial pilot’s license, and a “Frozen” ATPL license. The School also has contacts to a number of airlines, allowing its students to make an easy transition from training, into a job flying passengers or cargo.

“I started in Southampton in November 2015 for six months of Theory. It covered 14 varying subjects; from navigation to principles of flight, human performance to aircraft performance, and everything in between. With four exams every two months, it took a considerable amount of study, but I was able to achieve a stellar average mark and was therefore able to proceed onto the next stage of the course; practical flying!

For this, my class and I were sent to Hamilton, New Zealand, for the primary flying phase, as well as the first half of the advanced flying phase. The primary covers basic flying; initially the very basics such as “primary effects of controls”, before leading onto circuits, where I was able to complete my first solo flight in the Southern Hemisphere, and eventually covering visual navigation, in the Diamond DA20 Katana aircraft.

After eight and a half months, it was time to complete my commercial pilot’s license exam, which I’m glad to say I passed first time. For this, I flew a multi-engine aircraft, the Diamond DA42 Twinstar. When all of our class had passed this, we then returned to the UK and sent to Bournemouth to complete the advanced flying phase; instrument flying, which entailed learning to fly purely from navigation aids, with no external references. I completed my instrument rating exam in May 2017 and after a final three weeks of training, learning the basics of operating a jet aircraft, I had completed the course, and started my job hunt.

After a five month, intensive selection program, I am delighted to say I have been offered a job as a “Pilot Apprentice” with Jet2 Airlines. I will start in January 2018 and work in a variety of departments including HR, Cabin Crew, and Flight Operations, before starting my training to fly the Boeing 737 in late 2018, eventually flying the jets in early 2019.

I would like to thank all of the Royal Air Force Air Cadet staff involved in my journey as an air cadet for all the help, instruction and guidance throughout my time, to help me get this far, at such a relatively young age. Special thanks goes to my old squadron, 2328 (Bishop’s Cleeve) Squadron, No 3 Air Experience Flight at MoD Colerne, and especially to 637 Volunteer Gliding School at RAF Little Rissington for allowing me to do my first solo flight.”

Written by Andrew Green, former cadet of 2328 (Bishop’s Cleeve) Squadron.

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The WREV at RIAT

The Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing Recruiting & Educational Vehicle (WREV) was on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo over the weekend of 8th -10th July taking pride of place in the RAF Village. The new position proved to be very successful in capturing the interest of the public, with young people flying the Viking Mk1 simulator, dropping parachutes in the drop zone from the back of a Hercules model on a zip wire and the trusted old wire buzzer game. The weekend saw many enquiries from all over the country with some children only aged 7 to 11. It gave them an insight of what to expect when they become old enough to join. This event proved again that the WREV was certainly worth the investment.

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Flight of a Lifetime….

Cadet Warrant Officer Elin Caine was all smiles after her flight with the Red Arrows at the Royal International Air Tattoo last weekend. Elin, an Air Cadet with 186 Newent Squadron was selected after her success of completing the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award. The Award is designed to find and recognise the best of the CVQO BTEC cadets across the UK. It’s not just about being a great cadet – CVQO is looking for young people who go beyond the cadet experience, who become valuable members of their communities and who show a willingness selflessly to help others.

See more at: http://www.cvqo.org/duke-of-westminster/#sthash.gt6it2vN.dpuf

The 150-mile flight will saw cadets fly in the rear seat of the nine Hawk T1 aircraft taking off from RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire and flying at 400 mph, landing at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire. It is only the second time in history that a group of cadets has flown with the Red Arrows. RAF Air Cadet Ambassador, Honorary Group Captain Carol Vorderman, was on the ground to greet the cadets and pilots as they flew in.

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Rugby Star at 1860 Sqn

Cadet Lincoln J Brown of 1860 squadron is star of the show as photographers and film crew follow him around for 4 days in order to find out what he does besides Rugby. Lincoln plays on the Wing for Whitehall Rugby Club and has been selected to attend Hartpury College in September. He has had to overcome difficulties in order to get where he is today and the film is hoping to encourage other young people in a similar position to get involved in Rugby. The photos shows him attending 3 Air Experience Flight where he was kitted out for flying.

Cadet LJ Brown

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Bristol and Gloucester Wing Drops into Netheravon

The third Exercise Easter Drop got off to a flying a start on a cloudy Easter weekend at the Army Parachute Association Netheravon drop zone, where 15 cadets and 3 members of staff from across the wing descended to undergo their Static Line First Jump Course.

Sgt Edward Watkins of 1446 (Clevedon) Sqn demonstrates the perfect exit

The course started early on the Saturday morning; where the group was spilt into two syndicates for ground school training; each with a different instructor. During the day they covered they course syllabus which includes; exiting the aircraft, body position, canopy control, landing, emergency procedures and lots and lots of practice, followed up by a written test.

Practice of the body position

The two syndicates progressed very well and one group was ready to jump that day, but the weather had other plans with the cloud base being far too low and wind limits too high for students. After a long day of intensive training there was only one way to help settle the excitement in the group; raiding two fast food joints and sticking a movie on (Terminal Velocity was not on order for the night).

Sgt Austin Russell of 2442 (Westbury-on-Trym) Sqn leads the way

On the Sunday we arrived nice and early again for the group to undergo refresher training, to make sure nothing had to been forgotten, and they were good to go…except the cloud base was teasing us again by being marginally too low.

 

Eventually the sun burnt holes into the sky to create large enough gaps for the students and it was a kit on call to get them up in the air. After their kit checks, they walked out to the Cessna Grand Caravan with Ride of the Valkyries in their hearts and looks of fear and excitement on their faces.

CI L’Hoste, Flt Lt Denton and CI Rowlinson enjoying the plane ride up to altitude

As they exited the aircraft you could hear them shout their safety counts; 1000, 2000, 3000, check canopy. And from here you could see them enjoying the canopy flight, trying out spirals with the occasional ‘YEE HAA’ punctuating the skies.

Sgt McClintock (ATC) sneaks in a cheeky hop and pop after watching the cadets being dispatched

The cadets left aircraft with looks of fear and landed with smiles brimming ear to ear as they let their accomplishments sink in. It can be said a majority of cadets enjoyed the parachute experience and after their video debrief some manifested to go back up in the air; and they were lucky as they were just about the only people who were jumping due to the cloud base not pushing much above 4000 feet.

A special mention has to be given to the Army Parachute Association for accommodating the course, the instructors David Ballard and Rick Boardman, Harriet the Jump Master and everybody else who makes this annual event possible.

I would also like to say big well done to all those that jumped and for those who missed out on attending this year, keep an eye out for next year’s bigger and better course which will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the ATC by getting 75 members of the ATC through the Static Line First Jump Course in a week; I look forward to seeing you there.

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A busy start to 2014 at 2146 Squadron

It has been a very busy start to 2014 for 2146 (South-East Bristol) Squadron. The New Year saw the return of our Squadron padre after a period of illness and the introduction of our new Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Simmons. WO Simmons has stepped down from his position as the Wing Warrant Officer to join and support our Squadron.

Our year kicked off with some cadets being awarded their classification badges, from the tail end of 2013. Also, many were awarded Youth First Aid Badges from the two day course ran on the squadron in November. New cadets joined the squadron, which saw numbers begin to rise. Our new Squadron Warrant Officer led drill sessions, which enabled our new members to quickly get up to standard.

Throughout the course of January, our Squadron was visited by a member of staff from another squadron for weapons training. We were all given an introduction to the .22 rifle used by cadets, and some of us even passed the weapons handling test, allowing us to shoot live ammunition on a range. First Aid training was also carried out through the month, with all cadets receiving HeartStart awards for basic first aid skills.

On Sunday 19th January, several cadets from the Squadron attended the Wing Soccer trials. One member of the Squadron was successful in making the Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing team.

Throughout the first three months of 2014, two cadets on the squadron have been training for Ten Tors. Ten Tors is a weekend challenge for young people in the South West region, hosted by the British Army and occurs in Dartmoor. Our two cadets have been training for the 35 mile challenge, which will take place in early May.

Air Experience Flying restarted after a period of the Tutors being grounded. On February 2nd, four members of the squadron went to Colerne for a flight each, where we were able to experience flying in a small aircraft and aerobatics, with some hands on experience. February also saw some cadets receive the opportunity to put into practise the skills used at weapons training to go to a range in Yoxter.

On Saturday 15th March, Stockwood Vale Golf Club was the location for our Squadron Annual Dinner. Cadets were presented with certificates and badges from 2013, and some were awarded special trophies. Wing Commander Cox was present to speak of his experiences with the ATC and 2146 Sqn in particular. He presented the awards to the cadets. That very same weekend, four senior members of the squadron all passed their respective NCO courses at HMS Flying Fox. The weekend entailed drill, leadership challenges, presentations and lessons in which they were taught various leadership and communication skills, as well as their responsibilities as NCOs.

Also in March, our squadron were fortunate enough to have been allocated slots for clay pigeon shooting, rifle shooting and gliding. The rifle shooting took place in Yoxter, where cadets were able to shoot live rounds on an outdoor range. Both gliding and the clay pigeon shoot occurred in Hullavington, Wiltshire. The weekend at the end of the quarter was a fantastic way for many of our cadets to apply some of the skills learned during the start of the New Year, and also to try something new.

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2146 Sqn restart Tutor flying at Colerne

On Sunday 2nd February, a number of cadets from 2146 (South East Bristol) Squadron went to Colerne Airfield in Wiltshire for a morning of flying. Fortunately the conditions were perfect for flying, which meant that these cadets were all able to experience a 30 minute flight.

They are able to fly in excess of 4000 feet and perform aerobatic manoeuvres. Some of us were lucky enough to be able to perform the aerobatics independently under the watchful eye of the instructor pilot.

Flying is just one of the many opportunities offered to young people aged 13 to 18 all across the country, who are members of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Click here to find out more about our flying training.