Page 50 - Cadet Review Spring 2023

SWY Wing ATC
Lilly in the cockpit ready to fly with her instructor
EXPERIENCES OF FLYING
AND GLIDING FOR
MIRFIELD AIR CADETS
As part of the regular training syllabus, cadets
get to enjoy various aspects of aviation, from
the theoretical through synthetic flying on flight simulators to the real experience of practical aviation: flying and gliding at one of the many locations around the country they have dedicated
to the activity, Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS)
and Air Experience Flights (AEF). Their aim here
is to enthuse Air Cadets and to teach the practical application of aviation principles by involving them directly in the operation of the aircraft, including handling the controls, under the close supervision of the Aircraft Commander.
Delivery of this experience is one of the highlights for cadets at 868 (Mirfield) Squadron, where they have enjoyed all these aspects throughout the year, and many have achieved their Blue Wings as part of the Aviation Training Package which consists of three elements:
• Flying Operations element of First Class Cadet training syllabus
• Synthetic Training using Ground Based Training Equipment (GBTE) – flight simulators
• AEF flight modules
The Mirfield cadets are fortunate to have several staff and staff cadets trained to deliver the practical
Cadets Eliot Ryan, Din Arnautovic, Mya Larder and Lily Dillon beside a Viking Glider
application of aviation principles using their on-site flight simulator equipment, so that when they visit either a VGS or AEF, they are able to qualify for their wings.
In recent months the experience has been enjoyed by several groups of cadets; four cadets, Din Arnautovic, Lily Dillon, Mya Larder and Eliot Ryan, visited 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at RAF Topcliffe and after the usual safety briefings took to
50 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2023