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FLYING
Air Experience Flights
Air Cadets have the opportunity to fly with Royal Air Force pilots in the Grob Tutor aircraft. Flying takes place at one of 12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) located around the UK. Cadets are able to participate in Air Experience Flying (AEF) once they have passed their 1st Class Cadet exam (which takes approximately 4-6 months) and are over the age of 13 years and 3 months.
Cadets are first given a briefing of what to expect and shown a short safety video. When it is your turn to fly, you'll be taken to be kitted out in your flying suit, then guided out to the aircraft by one of the groundcrew or flight staff cadets. The pilot will then take off, and show you how the aircraft flies and you'll get the chance to control the aircraft or even experience some aerobatics just like the Red Arrows or if you want just admire the view and talk to the pilot. All Air Cadets get the oppertunity to fly at least once each year, each flight lasting appproximatly 25 minutes.
Air Cadets from 233 Squadron fly at No.8 AEF at RAF Cosford, which is near Wolverhampton.
The ACO has had the benefit of powered aircraft since 1957 with the introduction of venerable DeHavilland Chipmunk aeroplanes which were replaced by the Bulldog in 1996. The latest replacement - Grob Tutor - recently entered AEF service, replacing the Bulldog.
The Tutor is a two side-by-side seated Aircraft, you and your instructor will take flights for around 30 minutes at a time and will go through the basics of flying. At your second flight you are likley to be taught your own aerobatics, loop-the-loop and barrel rolls are great fun.
Usually the instructors are active and retired RAF Pilots, it is very possible that your instructor also fly jets!
Additionally Air Cadets often get to fly in a variety of other RAF aircraft such as the Hurcules, Sentry, King Air, C-17s, Tristars as well as Sea King, Puma and Chinook Helicopters.
Cadets can later apply for a Flying Scholarship and Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Scheme courses to gain 'wings' to wear on their uniform. You can end up being able to fly an aircraft before you have learnt to drive.
Navigator
Flying Scholarship
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