On Saturday 12 May, Pocklington School RAF cadets visited 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) at RAF Topcliffe, accompanied by Flt Lt Patrick Dare.

The cadets commenced their day with a welcome brief and a tour of the facilities at 645 VGS before moving onto the ground school training, to learn about the principles of flight and Airmanship.

The Part Task Trainer suite was the next stop, where the cadets used three fully functioning Grob vigilant cockpits to carryout synthetic flying training, putting the classroom theory into practice with VGS instructors.

The day was very enjoyable and a great success, with all of the cadets receiving a certificate for passing their ground and “synthetic” training and completing the Cadet Aviation Familiarisation Course.  The cadets are looking forward to their next Air Experience Flying opportunity at RAF Linton on Ouse in June, when they will be able to put theory into practice and gain their full blue or bronze wings.

During the visit, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Helicopter was also at RAF Topcliffe with some of the pilots, navigators and paramedics.  The cadets received a tour in and around the helicopter, whilst the paramedics highlighted the lifesaving equipment on board and the importance of the work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Flt Lt Dare said: “It was a real pleasure to take the cadets to RAF Topcliffe for their Cadet Aviation Familiarisation Course.  They really enjoyed getting to grips with the principles of take-off and landing in the flight simulators.

He added: “Being able to visit the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and learn all about the life saving work done by the pilots, navigators and paramedics was both interesting and inspiring. Accompanying the cadets on this trip was a privilege and wonderful for the cadets to experience such fabulous opportunities.”

Here are some quotes from the cadets, reflecting on their visit:

“Nice, incredible experience that may open future opportunities.  Thanks you for this” – Yuri

“Great experience.  Interesting to learn about aviation and the RAF…if I could I would do this again” – Nick

“This day on the RAF base was really interesting!  I learnt lots of information about aeroplanes, simulate gliding and we got to see the Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter.  Thank you for this nice opportunity!” - Paola

To see photographs from the visit, please click here.