May 17 – RAF Cadets Take Flight On-Board Royal Navy Helicopter
Twelve cadets from No. 2 Overseas (Gibraltar) Squadron Air Training Corps saw Gibraltar from a new perspective when they recently took a flight on-board a Royal Navy Wildcat.
The Wildcat is the latest generation of multi-role helicopter specifically procured to operate from the Frigates and Destroyers of the Royal Navy.
The Officer Commanding the Gibraltar Squadron, Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Ivan Caward was delighted to be able to offer the cadets the chance to fly in the Wildcat, he said:
“This has been a great opportunity for some of our younger cadets to experience flying in a helicopter, for most of them it was their first time. It is days like this that make volunteering with the cadets so worthwhile, seeing these cadets grinning from ear to ear has made my day”
After a full safety brief the cadets were kitted with safety equipment and once strapped in, their flight took them out over the Bay and around the Rock. The cadets thoroughly enjoyed the flight and were stunned by the views. Cadet Hannah Williams said:
“I could not believe how smooth the take-off was, I was looking around at the inside of the helicopter, then turned and looked out of the window and, wow, we were over 50 metres in the air”
Even the recent bout of poor weather couldn’t dampen their spirits as Cadet Megan Pratts explained:
“It was totally amazing, I never thought I would ever get a chance to fly in a military helicopter let alone around Gibraltar. Despite the heavy down pours the views of the Rock and Strait were fantastic”
Cadet Liam Martinez particularly enjoyed the interactive experience, he said:
“We were given flying helmets to wear which meant we could hear what the pilots were saying and talk to them. They gave us a brief on the helicopter and their daily role on-board ship.”
For further information on the Air Training Corps please go to www.gibaircadets.gi or call Flt Lt Ivan Caward on 5400 5832
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