Page 34 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

 SWY Wing ATC
VIP VISITS TO
MIRFIELD AIR
CADETS
Over recent months 868 (Mirfield) Squadron seems to
have become the ‘go-to’ venue for local dignitaries, and
both the local Member of Parliament, for the Spen Valley
Constituency, Kim Leadbeater and the Mayor of Kirklees,
Councillor Nosheen Dad have requested the opportunity to
visit the Squadron and find out more about what the Royal Air
Force Air Cadets has to offer young people.
During their respective visits the guests were shown
various activities including assessment of two cadets’
delivery of lessons, to qualify for their Instructor Cadet Status,
Radio and Fieldcraft training, Flight Simulator Training, Band
practice and a Health and Safety project.
Kim Leadbetter took time to address the cadets about
her responsibilities as a MP in representing the interests of
her constituency and gave a brief explanation of the role of
Parliament in governing the country.
They were both particularly interested in the Flight
Simulator activity, and took part themselves, under the
instruction of Civilian Instructors Leah Silvester and Matthew
Thornton.
34 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025
Mirfield Air Cadets enjoy
flying experience
One of the major attractions for being an Air Cadet is the
opportunity to enjoy various aspects of aviation, and on one
Thursday in November four cadets from 868 (Mirfield) Squadron
visited 11 Air Experience Flight at RAF Leeming for the opportunity
to fly in powered aircraft with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
On arrival the visit started with a comprehensive safety briefing,
including the very important escape drills. The cadets were then
all kitted out with flying suit, parachute, gloves and helmet prior to
their flights in the Tutor aircraft.
For three of them, Matthew Cockroft, Hadley Oakes and William
Senior this was their first experience of flying and all reported they
had enjoyed a great flight, and under the watchful guidance of their
pilots all were given the chance to take control of the aircraft and
experience flying through various manoeuvres. Because of the
classroom lessons and flight simulator training they had received at
the Squadron, all three were able to qualify for their Blue Aviation
Wings.
Here is Matthew Cockroft’s review of his experience:
“I had the chance to experience flying with a Grob-tutor light
aircraft and got to feel the pressure of G-force as we did lots of
aerobatics whilst in the air. Just as we were going to head back to
the squadron, I managed to get sight of an F-18 take-off which was
really loud. I really appreciate the opportunity to fly with the air
cadets and hope to do so again in future. Thank you!”
For Sgt Gabriella Green, this was not her first experience, and she
was able to enjoy some more adventurous flying and experienced
flying through a series of aerobatic manoeuvres, including stall
turns and barrel rolls.
Matthew Cockroft in the cockpit, ready for take off