Four Air Cadets from Hatfield took to the skies over Bedfordshire on Saturday 18th May when they visited RAF Henlow to complete their Gliding Induction Courses. The four Cadets, Matthew Crawford (14), Brandon Ratcliffe (14), Jessica Devoil (14) and Amber Huckle (16) were all taking their first flights in the Vigilant Motor Gliders of the RAF’s 616 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.

The Cadets had an initial safety brief and an introduction to the Vigilant Motor Glider before a 25 minute flight alongside one of the Squadron’s qualified pilots. Once in the air the Cadets took control of the glider to put into practice the knowledge they’ve learnt in Principles of Flight classes, learning to turn, soar and stall the aircraft.

For Cadet Jessica Devoil one word summed up her flight “wow!” whilst Cadet Corporal Amber Huckle said “it was great to feel the aircraft pitching and yawing as I was moving the controls.” For all four Cadets it will be the first of many flights, and once each turns 16 they can apply for a scholarship giving them 8 hours gliding training and the chance to fly solo.

Hatfield and de Havilland Squadron is one of nearly 1000 Squadrons around the Country which are part of the Air Training Corps, open for anyone aged 13-17 to enrol as a Cadet. Gliding is just one of the opportunities open to the Cadets who also enjoy flying, shooting, adventure training and sports amongst other activities.

The Squadron meets in the Cadet Centre, Woods Avenue, Hatfield on a Tuesday and Thursday night between 7:00 and 9:30pm and welcomes anyone interested to drop in or visit their website at www.2203.aircadets.net.

 

By Flight Lieutenant Frank Liney – 2203 Squadron Air Training Corps