Cadets from the across the West Midlands have spent a week of their summer holiday experiencing life in the Royal Air Force.
The young Air Cadets travelled to RAF Linton on Ouse in Yorkshire where they lived in RAF accommodation and ate their meals with the Station’s airmen.
Due to circumstances the cadets didn’t get to see much of the RAF at work, however, there were visits to Air Traffic Control and Air Operations to learn about how aircraft on and around an RAF Station or controlled and monitored.
The “Camp” was staffed by volunteers of the RAF Air Cadets who had generously taken time out from their families and their day jobs to provide the experience for the cadets.
Because of the lack of opportunity at RAF Linton on Ouse the Camp Commandant, Flight Lieutenant James Carter, RAFAC, provided the cadets with plenty of “off station” activities to keep them entertained, active and educated all within a very tight budget.
Swimming, bowling, a visit to York Escape Rooms and time to wander around the historic city. There was also a visit to Eden Camp, a World War II museum at Malton and opportunity to hone leadership and teamwork skills during the “Assault Adrenaline” visit
The cadets declared it an excellent week even with the unavoidable limitations. For the cadet who was considered to be the best on the camp, Cadets Sergeant Izzie Edmondson (17) from 8F (City of Coventry) Squadron, there was a “flight” in the RAF’s Tucano Simulator, the equipment that is used to train RAF Pilots. After initial nerves, Izzie impressed the instructor with her skill in managing to fly and land the “aircraft”. “That was fantastic, I was very nervous at first but soon got into it” said a beaming Izzie stepping out of the cockpit.
During the Spring, Summer and Autumn holidays thousands of Air Cadets have the chance to sample RAF life and learn about the various trades and branches available as well as seeing at first hand how the Royal Air Force worA