UP, UP AND AWAY FOR HITCHIN CADETS
BY INSTRUCTOR CDT FS SAMUEL JAMES
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“Sorry Mum but you can’t beat this years’ Christmas present!” These words coming from Cadet Abigail Cox (13) after enjoying an exhilarating thirty minute flight in a Sea King search and rescue helicopter. Cdt Cox joined eleven other cadets along with two staff members for the flight of their lives.
The day began with an early morning start, meeting at the squadron for a two hour trip to Wattisham Airfield. The twelve cadets and two staff members, who were split into two groups, were then briefed and kitted out with their helmets by staff from 22 Squadron.
Once the crew had received their flying brief, the first group was ready to take off and head for the skies. For the majority of the flight, the side cabin door was left open providing fantastic views of the local countryside. Cadets even had the chance to sit on the floor with their legs hanging out of the aircraft - strapped to a harness of course! Cpl Daisy Buck (15) said: “This experience completely blew me away!” Some cadets were also lucky to visit the cockpit during the sortie and to talk to the pilots.
Cadet Charlotte Hunt (15) explained: “The whole thing was amazing from beginning to end, from take-off to touchdown. The word ‘epic’ was used too many times to remember – I think it might become our new squadron motto!”
One of the staff members supervising the cadets, CI Luarina Nash commented: “It’s amazing what fantastic opportunities are available to 1066 cadets. It’s one of the best experiences of my life and I shall never forget it!”
Commanding Officer of 1066, Flt Lt Erica Vey, who organised the trip explained: "This opportunity was an amazing one for all of us and we are so grateful to the personnel at Wattisham for hosting our visit. Having the door open during the sortie and being able to sit with our legs outside of the aircraft during the flight was a superb experience and I know that we will never forget it."
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“Sorry Mum but you can’t beat this years’ Christmas present!” These words coming from Cadet Abigail Cox (13) after enjoying an exhilarating thirty minute flight in a Sea King search and rescue helicopter. Cdt Cox joined eleven other cadets along with two staff members for the flight of their lives. The day began with an early morning start, meeting at the squadron for a two hour trip to Wattisham Airfield. The twelve cadets and two staff members, who were split into two groups, were then briefed and kitted out with their helmets by staff from 22 Squadron.
Once the crew had received their flying brief, the first group was ready to take off and head for the skies. For the majority of the flight, the side cabin door was left open providing fantastic views of the local countryside. Cadets even had the chance to sit on the floor with their legs hanging out of the aircraft - strapped to a harness of course! Cpl Daisy Buck (15) said: “This experience completely blew me away!” Some cadets were also lucky to visit the cockpit during the sortie and to talk to the pilots.
Cadet Charlotte Hunt (15) explained: “The whole thing was amazing from beginning to end, from take-off to touchdown. The word ‘epic’ was used too many times to remember – I think it might become our new squadron motto!” One of the staff members supervising the cadets, CI Luarina Nash commented: “It’s amazing what fantastic opportunities are available to 1066 cadets. It’s one of the best experiences of my life and I shall never forget it!”
Commanding Officer of 1066, Flt Lt Erica Vey, who organised the trip explained: "This opportunity was an amazing one for all of us and we are so grateful to the personnel at Wattisham for hosting our visit. Having the door open during the sortie and being able to sit with our legs outside of the aircraft during the flight was a superb experience and I know that we will never forget it."
Labels: Flying + Gliding, Success
posted by S James @ 20:31
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