A team of young Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadets have taken to the skies for the first time, as part of their Air Experience Flying Training.
The four pilots, Sophie, Anisa, Archie and Suraj, all students from the St Helen’s and Merchant Taylors’ schools, were joined by a qualified RAF pilot for a flight in the force’s training aircraft, the Grob Tutor T1.
The young cadets, part of the RAF’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), took the opportunity to learn how to operate the aircraft’s controls, operating the rudder, pitch, yaw, elevators, ailerons and other cockpit instruments.
They also learnt about the effects of g-force on the body during aerobic manoeuvres.
The session is considered one of the highlights of any RAF cadet’s career, as after learning how to operate the plane, each of the teenage flyers got the amazing opportunity to fly the aircraft themselves individually, experiencing aerobatics and amazing views at 3,000 feet.
All four stated afterwards that they had a fantastic time immersing themselves in the experience of a plane pilot.
Being part of the CCF allows students to join one of the three British armed forces (the Army, Navy or RAF) and for them to take part in a wide variety of experiences throughout the year, including annual summer camps and VIP military visits.
Photo Credit: St Helen’s School
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