A is for… Air Experience Flying (AEF), Archery, Athletics and Abseiling!
As with all squadrons in Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets we regularly receive Air Experience Flying slots at No 11 AEF, based at RAF Leeming. During these weekday sessions, cadets aged from the age of 13 years and 3 months are able to get airborne in the two-seater Grob Tutor aircraft, experiencing the thrill of flight. During the airborne sorties, cadets are shown how to control the aircraft, before taking control themselves under the pilot’s supervision. As they progress through the flying syllabus and learn more about the aircraft’s operation, they can work their way towards a flying scholarship which concludes with a solo sortie!
Archery sessions are frequently held on the squadron, which has its own instructor and equipment. As with other sports, Archery requires practice to perfect the techniques. Within the sessions, the cadets are able to see their improvement and progression. This can be recorded and used within other activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The squadron participates in the annual wing archery competition, this year placing a respectable 3rd place!
Another annual sports competition held within the wing is Athletics. Each year, hundreds of cadets from across the wing compete to be crowned the top squadron. With strong competition in each event, our cadets always give their all, striving to be the best. No matter where they place, they always represent the squadron well, with a number of our cadets previously being selected to represent the wing at the regional competition.
Abseiling, which falls under the wider category of Adventure Training (AT), is a specialist activity open to the cadets at various points throughout the year. AT camps, Warcop and outdoor activity centers are all common places to experience the thrill of abseiling, although it is not for the faint-hearted!
Do you fancy getting involved in any of these activities? Are you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new friends? Aged between 12 (and in year 8 ) and 17? JOIN AIR CADETS. We are recruiting now, send us a message to find out more and join us next week as we continue our #WhatWeDoWednesday articles.
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
