One of the biggest highlights of being an Air Cadet is the opportunity to take to the skies in an Air Experience Flight (AEF) - a 30 minute “sortie” in the RAF’s Primary Training Aircraft, the Grob Tutor.

In November 2006, six cadets from 211 (Newbury) Squadron attended No 6 AEF at RAF Benson to enjoy the thrill of flying. All 6 cadets had successful sorties, flying over the Thames Valley, with all cadets taking control of the aircraft for a portion of the flight.

Pilot Officer Stephen Robinson, Newbury Squadron’s Flying and Gliding Officer, said “Air Experience Flying are excellent opportunities for Air Cadets – they provide an insight into flying aircraft and putting much of the theory taught on squadron into practice - as well as experiencing the thrill of aerobatics.”

As well as providing cadets an opportunity to partake in Air Experience Flights, the Air Training Corps also offers a Flying Scholarship through the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme – a two-week long intensive residential course at Tayside Aviation, Dundee. Earlier this year Cadet Gemma Philips of Newbury Squadron was one of 125 lucky applicants from across the whole of the Air Training Corps who was offered a Light Aircraft courses, consisting of 12 hours flying, leading to solo.

Other course available under the scheme include 25 Microlight courses, consisting of 10 hours flying, leading to solo, to be flown at RAF Halton, 40 AEF courses, consisting of 10 hours to be flown on the Tutor aircraft, at several locations. And 36 Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Training Courses available, consisting of 10 hours flown on the Tutor aircraft at an AEF.