After a great day flying with the Air Training Corps (ATC), Cadet J Omar of 211 (Newbury) Squadron said that joining the Air Cadets was one of the best decisions of his life. Just four months into his cadet career, he was given the amazing opportunity to go on an Air Experience Flight at Royal Air Force Benson, Oxon.

After putting his name forward as a candidate for the flight, Omar was delighted to be offered a place. One of the reasons he joined the ATC was to experience the thrill of flying in an aircraft; in this case a Grob 115E Tutor.

In order to go flying, the cadets need to pass a number of tests including the Air Training Corps, the Royal Air Force, History of Flight as well as Map Reading, Airmanship, Communications and Initial Expedition Training. After passing all the tests and getting all the tough bits out of the way, he now has a bright future to look forward to with lots of fun.

Air Experience Flying can prepare you to complete a flying or gliding scholarship in the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme. After his first flight, Cadet Omar said “Flying was amazing, I really enjoyed it. Cadets is great, joining the Corps really was the best decision of my life. I would definitely recommend it to all teenagers to do.” He went on to say that cadets has been a really positive experience for him, and thinks it helps to keep young people occupied in their free time.

Flying is one of the many activities offered with the Air Cadets. Other activities include Gliding, Target Shooting, Adventurous Training, Fieldcraft and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards – and Cadet Omar looks forward to taking part in them all!

If you are interested in becoming A Cadet or a Staff member, you are always welcome to visit or call your local Squadron or visit the Air Cadets website at www.aircadets.org.

Cadet J Omar
Media & Communications Project