At the start of December, five RAF cadets travelled to Salisbury for their flying experience at MOD Boscombe Down. The team departed at 1900 hours, driven by the SSI and accompanied by Lt Col Amos. Although the M25 presented its usual challenges, including a delay after Reigate that led to a short detour through the Surrey hills, the team made steady progress and arrived in good time for a full night’s rest before Saturday’s adventure.
The early start the next morning was helped by an extensive all-you-can-eat breakfast, ensuring that no one set off for the airfield hungry. After a brief drive, the cadets passed through security, watched a site safety video, and collected their security passes before heading to the flight operations centre for the next stage of their briefings.
Throughout the morning, the team at 2 AEF provided preflight safety briefs and training, the standard of which were second to none. Cadets were fitted for flight suits and helmets, andissued gloves and a sick bag (just in case). Each cadet then flew in a two-seater Grob light aircraft with either a former Harrier pilot or a current Fleet Air Arm pilot, creating an experience that few have the chance to enjoy.
Once airborne, flights lasted around thirty minutes and gave the cadets a wide view across Wiltshire, including seeing Stonehenge from a very different perspective. They were also invited to take control of the aircraft under supervision, which was a highlight for many and not something most people can say they have done. A series of aeronautical manoeuvres completed each flight before the aircraft returned to the runway for the next pair to board.
Judging by their expressions on landing, the cadets clearly valued the opportunity to fly and to gain insight into aviation first-hand. While this was the final flying session of 2025, plans are already in place for several dates in 2026, ensuring more cadets will have the chance to take part.
