A GROUP of young air cadets from Hatfield, who are not even old enough to drive, are still on a high after taking control of an aircraft.

Eight members of 2203 Hatfield and de Havilland Squadron Air Training Corps took to the skies in a Grob G115E Tutor light aircraft as part of an Air Experience Flight - it was the first flight for six of the Hatfield cadets.

Thomas Le Baigue, 16, Stefan Honour, Jenny Hart and Ashley Giddin, 15, and Richard Whitsey, Darren Hays, Andrew Le Baigue and Jack Power,13, took off from RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire accompanied by a professional RAF pilot, but once airborne the cadet got to take over the aircraft controls.

While beginners on their first flight were able to learn about piloting the aircraft, cadets, who have flown before, were able to conduct more advance manoeuvres such as aerobatics, or practice their navigation skills.

The squadron's commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Frank Liney, said: "The squadron will visit an Air Experience Flight five or six times each year and every cadet gets the opportunity to have a flight on at least a number of those.

"Of course, it is just one of the many activities available to cadets, but the opportunity to take control of an aircraft under the expert tuition and guidance of professional Royal Air Force pilots, makes it the number one activity for a great many of them."

He added: "It is an amazing experience for a young person, particularly those on their first flight or who have got to do aerobatics for the first time."

For more information about the 2203 Hatfield and De Havilland Squadron visit the website www.2203.aircadets.net.