Over 1400 cadets and staff attended the North Region Cadet Aviation Day at RAF Topcliffe in North Yorkshire. The event saw RAF Air Cadets, Army Cadets and Combined Cadet Force Cadets flown in either an RAF Chinook or Puma helicopter, as well as taking part in many other activities.
The flights were provided by 27 Squadron RAF Odiham, who supplied three Chinook HC2 helicopters, and 28 (AC) Squadron RAF Benson, who provided two Puma HC2 helicopters.
Cadets were able to get a 15 minute flight in one of the aircraft while the air crew used the event to train for a non-combatant evacuation – a win for both groups!
When not engaged in flying, the cadets took part in team building and leadership activities provided by the RAF Careers teams, scaled the mobile climbing wall covering a total distance greater than Mount Everest, talked to RAF Regiment personnel and saw some of their equipment. They also discussed the Vigilant gliders with 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, saw a Tucano from RAF Linton on Ouse and engaged in target shooting on the DCCT electronic range.
The day was attended by Commandant Air Cadets Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty. This was an unexpected bonus for the cadets, who got to meet her and take several selfies with her.
After the event, Air Cdre McCafferty said: “I’ve never seen so many Air Cadets in one place or so many smiling cadets and staff. A truly memorable day.”
For more information about the Air Cadets and how you can get involved, as a cadet or as an Adult Volunteer, visit www.aircadetsnorth.org
