Flying at RAF Wyton - January 2008
See also:
Visit to the Pathfinders Museum before the flights, at RAF Wyton
Videos filmed By Cdt. Passingham
"Flying was an experience that I would want to do again! The plane I flew in is a 2 seater and while up in the sky you can either do sight seeing, aerobatics or basic
Flying - taking control of the plane as well - which is all great fun. While waiting to fly or after getting off the plane you go to another room (briefing room) where you can watch DVD’s, chat to cadets and eat your lunch.
We went flying at RAF Wyton airfield which is a 2 hour drive on coach from our squadron.
We parked up and took a look in a museum (Pathfinder museum) and after that we went to the briefing room to be told what to do. Finally you get picked to go flying and go out to get kitted up. When getting picked you go to another hut where you get dressed into the flying suit and after that you go to the plane and take off.
While in the air it is different from what you think it will be like. When you take control you can learn how to do the movements, not just sit and be flown by a pilot!"
Cdt. Gill
"At the end of January 2008, 6 cadets from 1582 squadron were standing outside their hut waiting for the coach to arrive. Eventually after an hour of anxious waiting the coach pulled up to us, 1341 (Thundersley) squadron cadets were already on there. We there drove along to 106 (Orsett Hundred) squadron and picked up cadets there, and then had a 2 hour drive ahead of us… Ipod’s and food were quickly taken out.
Finally we got to RAF Wyton, and drove through the gate. First up was the health and safety talk, then the highly amusing but important safety video. Then we were left to watch movies, chat, and eat food. First the new cadets were up, they all went to go and get kitted up then get flown up into the skies. 40 minutes had passed then it was my turn. I walked to the hut outside next to the runway and got kitted up. 15 minutes and I was kitted up, helmets, gloves, and coveralls fitted. I was then guided to the plane by Sgt. Yardley. The pilot then started up then engine and taxied off down the taxi route. We then took off.
We went straight up and started the aerobatics. We started with 2 loops, the pilot did them so I could get used to the feel of them, then I did them myself. We then did 4 barrel rolls, the pilot performed 2, and I did 2. We did 2 stalls, 1 each and I then got the camera out and started filming for our website! We did 2 wingovers and a loop for the benefit of the camera. Sadly it was all over too soon, and we approached for a landing.
I then went back into the briefing room and watched the rest of a movie, and then we tidied the room and went home. A good day was had by all!"
Cdt. Passingham