On Tuesday, 29th October 34 cadets and 4 staff from the Northern Sector of Thames Valley wing headed to RAF Brize Norton to spend the day visiting a number of different sections and an Air Experience Flight. Organised by the station ACLO, Flt Lt Lonsdale, the day included visits to 216 Sqn, resident squadron operating the Tristar fleet for Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling. The cadets also undertook a visit to the safety equipment section to find out how all the equipment is tested and maintained and ensure it was all up to the required specifications. The cadets went to see the RAF Regiment and 33 Engineering Squadron, home to the maintenance of the C-130 Hercules fleet. After visiting all the different sections and a stop for lunch the cadets went for a flight on board a Tristar whilst it undertook refuelling of a Typhoon and Tornado aircraft with the sortie lasting just under 4 hours. Having arrived at RAF Brize bright and early at 0845 everyone departed at 2100 having had an enjoyable and informative day.
A number of squadrons within Thames Valley wing have visited RAF Brize Norton as it supports the Air Cadets in various aspects and provides opportunities for cadets to gain an understanding on RAF life. The cadets were from 1315, 1460, 2210 and 594 squadrons with Sector Commander, Sdn Ldr Beardsley accompanying the cadets for the day.
After a quick station brief from the ACLO team, the cadets travelled to 216 squadron where we had a presentation on the history of 216 squadron, then we went to the survival equipment section where we were shown the ways that pilots and aircrew survive if there aircraft had gone down. Then we went off to the Regiment section where we had a brief role on the RAF Regiment and the things they do. After an action packed morning the cadets descended on the terminal for check in then we got to eat some lunch. We then boarded our flight on the Tristar we were ready for take off. The power of the three engines was immense, after about 30 minutes in the air, the pilot came over the intercom and said “if you look out of the port side we have two typhoons” we then carried on refuelling another pair of Typhoons and a pair of Tornados. After the landing it was time to depart RAF Brize Norton. All the cadets had a thoroughly enjoyable day. I would like to say a huge thank you to the ACLO Team at RAF Brize Norton and a thanks to Sqn Ldr Beardlsey for orgsanising the visit.