Page 18 - Cadet Review Autumn 2023

CEY Wing ATC
FLYING LEGENDS AIRSHOW – JULY 2023
By Flight Lieutenant Ian Brotheridge
Over a weekend of mixed weather, back in a rather soggy July, over 240 Cadets and nearly 40 Adult Vol- unteers, from across the Wing, were fortunate to be invited to support the first Flying Legends Airshow to be hosted at the former RAF Church Fenton site, now East Leeds International Airport. This year was the first of eight, that the event is to be held here in North Yorkshire.
The Flying Legends is the single largest air display of WWII era aircraft in Europe, with such a unique and varied collection on display both on the ground and taking to the sky.
The cadets were asked to stand along the flight line in the morning, alongside some colourful WWII re-enactors, to ensure that over enthusiastic members of the public, did not get too close to
the magnificent flying machines. On Saturday, the inclement weather gave the cadets an extra treat; they got to take shelter from the rain beneath the wings of so many iconic aircraft.
We were joined over the weekend by the Wing Aviation Team, led by Squadron Leader Adam Waudby, with an array of technology to boot, Flight Sims and VR headsets at the ready, giving both members of
the public and cadets the opportunity to experience something not readily available to them. What was most impressive were the Cadet Aviation Instructors, who under supervision, engaged with members of the public to showcase the technology and give a small insight to the Cadet Experience on offer today.
Much less visible, (and thankfully, far less busy) was the Cadet Welfare Team, led by Squadron Leader Peter Carrington, the Wing First Aid Officer, ensuring that the welfare and first aid needs of cadets and adults were adequately provided for.
When the aircraft took to the sky in the afternoon, it was sheer entertainment. Everyone, almost without fail, paused what they were doing to watch. To see so many Spitfires and Hurricanes in formation, in person, is such are rare sight, that even the BBMF cannot match, was fantastic. With such a wide selection of aircraft from both Allied and Axis forces, there was something for pretty much everyone.
We should not forget that cadets and staff were given free entry to the Airshow in exchange
for their time and support, much of
which was standing up close to such
legendary aircraft and was every aviation enthusiast’s dream!
As a team, we have learnt much from it, and plan to make 2024 and beyond, bigger and better
It should also be duly noted that without the support of staff from across the Wing, supervising the cadets from their Sectors and Squadrons, and the tireless effort of the local Project Event Team from 2434 (Church Fenton) Squadron, (many of whom worked Thursday evening, Friday evening and two long days on Saturday and Sunday), we could not have looked after the 240+ cadets and staff who were afforded this unique opportunity.
Wing Commander Aaron Waters joined us over the weekend and said how he was “very pleased by the turnout and enthusiasm of cadets and staff; all were a credit to themselves and the Wing”.
All said and done, this was our first year of eight, and a great start. As a team, we have learnt much from it, and plan to make 2024 and beyond, bigger and better, offering more displays, and ensuring that we have a more structured approach now that we know what to expect.
18 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2023