On the 17th June 4 cadets were taken flying in Grob Tutor aircraft. It was quite an early start where we took the minibus to our destination.  When we arrived, we took a briefing with the cadets from the other squadrons attending that day. This briefing included how to evacuate the aircraft in an emergency and how to use the parachute which was provided. After the briefing 2 cadets from each squadron were taken to get their equipment that they would be needing during the flight.  I was not in the first group so me and 3 other cadets waited in the briefing room, but after about an hour and a half it was my turn.

After a walk across to the equipment room we were handed our helmet, parachute, gloves and our flight suit. Once we had all our essentials on, we had to wait for the other cadets to finish their flights, however once they had landed it was my turn.

I was one of the last cadets to go up in the air on the day, but it was so worth the wait.  Once we had taken off the pilot gave me control and instructed me to climb to 3000 feet.  Once we had reached 3000 feet the pilot asked what I wanted to do in which I replied with “whatever you feel comfortable with”. After this reply the pilot asked if I wanted to do a loop and of course I replied with “yes”.  After this I took control and climbed back up to 3000 feet again and then we to had dive in order to reach the speed of 160 knots.  Once we reach that speed, I pulled the control stick back and performed the loop. 

We flew over the city of York and did a low flypast over the air museum, after this I was allowed to fly the aircraft back towards the airfield where the pilot landed and we taxied back to the pan.

This day was awesome and it was a great experience.  I would like to thank the squadron staff for not only taking us on the day, but picking us to have this opportunity.

By Cdt Tristan Wright