Year 11 Cadet Jake Kitchin, a member of Fermanagh RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC), recently had a unique experience when he went flying with the Royal Air Force at Flying Station Aldergrove.
Jake (14), from Enniskillen and a pupil at Enniskillen Royal School, spent a day at Aldergrove learning about the RAF Grob Tutor aircraft and how it was flown.
He then had a 45 minute flight in the tutor flown by an experienced RAF pilot, flying over Belfast and County Antrim. During the flight he had the opportunity to take control of the aircraft and fly it under supervision. The pilot also demonstrated a range of aerobatic movements such as loops and rolls during the flight.
Jake was thrilled to undertake such a special activity, commenting “Flying was fantastic ! It was great to get the opportunity to do something very few people get to try”
Flight Lieutenant Graham Dodds, Officer Commanding Fermanagh RAF Air Cadets also attended the Air Experience Flight day and stated “Joining the RAF Air Cadets gives all young people fantastic opportunities such as these special Air Experience days. It is excellent for the development of their confidence and educational skills such as science and geography. Our cadets are the only young people who can do this, so anyone interested should come along to see us”
Fermanagh RAF Air Cadets are recruiting now and anyone interested in joining should contact Flight Lieutenant Dodds by email at oc.72@aircadets.org.
PICTURED : Cadet Jake Kitchin (14) in his flying gear at Flying Station Aldergrove
