Flying

 

Air Cadets regularly have the opportunity to fly with Royal Air Force pilots in a Grob Tutor aircraft (shown left).

 

Flying takes place at one of the 13 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) located around the UK, on an RAF station. Cadets are first given a briefing of what to expect by one of the RAF pilots, with the aid of a short video.

 

When your turn comes to fly, you'll be taken to be kitted out in flying clothing, and then guided out to the aircraft by one of the ground crew or flight staff! The pilot then takes off, and he will show you how the aircraft flies and you'll be given the chance to control the aeroplane, experience aerobatics or simply admire the view and talk to the pilot.

 

All Air Cadets get the opportunity to fly with the AEF at least once each year, each flight lasting about 30 minutes. Our Squadron fly at No.1 AEF at RAF St. Athan, (click here for more information on RAF St. Athan)

 

Additionally, Air Cadets often get to fly in a variety of other RAF aircraft when attending Annual Camps at RAF stations.

 

The Tutor and the RAF

 

The Grob Tutor T1 replaced the Royal Air Force's fleet of Bulldog primary training aircraft from 1999 onwards. Ninety of the new aircraft are used by University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights at 14 locations around the country. But unusually, the aircraft are not owned and maintained by the RAF, but carry civilian registrations and serviced under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

 

Bombardier, the contractor, will own and maintain the aircraft, and at some sites also provide such essential flying support services as air traffic control and fire cover, saving the MoD an estimated £30 Million over the life of the 10 year contract.

 

Click here for More Information about the Grob Tutor