Page 33 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE CAMP
By Flight Sergeant Louis Camps
I am from 1323 (Ryedale) Squadron, and from 17th to 24th August I attended the National Air and Space Camp (NASC), at RAF Syerston. It was a fantastic week full of all things aviation, and cadets were able to partake in a huge variety of hands-on activities.
The week began on Saturday, with a fluid arrival and check in process. Cadet’s records were checked by staff, so they could design a tailored training programme for each individual cadet. After the initial brief, we were shown to our accommodation (I was staying at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, but a number of cadets were based at RAF Wittering.)
My first training day consisted of an introduction to the bronze wings course, which I completed
later in the week on Thursday and Friday. It was a great course, with in depth flying and navigation all completed on ground-based simulators and led by a highly experienced and knowledgeable staff team. Over the two days I learnt so much which will assist me in my future career aspirations as a commercial pilot.
For the rest of the week, I completed the brand-new blue space syllabus and had the chance
It was a great course, with in depth flying and navigation all completed on ground-based simulators
to become an air traffic controller, using a very realistic simulator. Other cadets visited the National Space Centre, had the chance to fly drones, and visit several local RAF stations. There was lots of real flying too – gliding and Air Experience Flights in the Grob Tutor. Despite the windier conditions later in the week, a large number of cadets were able to take to the skies!
On Wednesday, all cadets attended the Industry Day, where there were stands from companies such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and the Typhoon Display Team to name but a few. Over 1000 other cadets from outside the camp also attended and were able to enjoy the event. The day culminated
in the afternoon-long air show, with displays from the Grob Tutor, Chinook, F15s, Lancaster Bomber, Apache, and Typhoon, and many more. There were multiple VIPs in attendance including AOC 22 Group and the Commandant Air Cadets. This was a brilliant day, and probably my most favourite.
This was my first national camp, and it really didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the week, and I would really encourage other cadets to go to NASC!
CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2024 33