A group of local RAF Air Cadets are eagerly awaiting an announcement from the Red Arrows, but not on the topic of upcoming air displays.
The cadets, from 195 (Grimsby) Squadron, have each answered the call from the prestigious aerobatics team for a new helmet design.
It was in March when so-called ‘Red 1’, the Team Leader of the Red Arrows, Squadron Leader David Montenegro, announced the competition to design his flying helmet.
The competition is only open to RAF Air Cadets, to mark the organisations 75th birthday earlier this year, and is thought to have had hundreds of entries.
Cadet Sergeant Kyle Horner, Cadet Steel and Cadet Pozarlik have each entered the competition, with colourful and inventive designs.
Squadron Leader Montenegro said: “The look of the Red Arrows’ flying helmet has changed little over the years since the team’s first season in 1965 – making this competition very special.
“Air Cadets are being given a unique opportunity to celebrate their organisation’s 75th anniversary in a bold, fun and very high-profile way.
“Hopefully, this will not only be a fitting tribute to the Air Cadets but also encourage even more young people to join the organisation, be inspired by aviation and learn how they could be the next generation of the RAF.”
Cadet Steel said: “I saw the competition on the Air Cadet website, and knew I had to enter. It would be so exciting for one of our entries to be chosen – especially with the national Armed Forces Day coming up.”
Cadet Pozarlik said: “My design focusses on the colours of the aircraft, and refers to the Air Cadets birthday and to the Combined Cadet Forces.
“It’s such a tough job coming up with the design.”
The winner of the competition is expected to be announced in May.
