Cadets and Staff Receive Rare Chinook Flight at RAF Leeming

Cadet Corporals Finley Coan and Grace Kenny caught completely off-guard by a rogue photographer while admiring the Chinook.

On the 5th February 2025, four lucky cadets from 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron were given the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Chinook flying experience.

Arriving at RAF Leeming early on a Wednesday morning, Cadet Sergeants Reuben Quinnell and Isaac Pearson, accompanied by Cadet Corporals Grace Kenny and Finley Coan were all chosen as 1324's nominees for the flight.

“Once we entered the base, three hawks flew in formation over our heads, and we could hear the distinct "waka waka" of the Chinook. We entered a holding room, which was full of Virtual Reality flight sims and received a brief and a tour of the Chinook, before heading back for a quick lunch break.”

Another very happy customer!

During the breaks, they were coached on state-of-the-art flight sims, where Isaac learned the basics of flying a Eurofighter Typhoon.

"I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to experience a flight in a renowned aircraft, the Chinook. The flight itself was thrilling and awe-inspiring, allowing me to have a taste into life within the Royal Air Force. Once we had taken off, the door at the back of the Chinook was lowered, allowing us a much better view. This also made the Air Experience Flight feel much more real and intense."

- Cadet Sergeant Isaac Pearson

“From my point of view the Chinook flight was one of the best cadet activities that I have ever partaken in. At the beginning of the flight, especially entering the Chinook, I felt very exhilarated to have this once I in a lifetime opportunity. Inside of the flight we pulled weirdly high stall turns and even banking up to 90 degrees, I felt like I was going to fly out of the bottom! Overall, I loved the presentation of 11 Squadron and the Pilot's attitude towards the RAF and their jobs."

- Cadet Sergeant Reuben Quinnell

After the break, the cadets were driven down to the hangar, where the Chinook was located. It was at this point that Ms Karlah Coan, the civilian instructor accompanying our cadets for the day, learned that she would also be receiving a flight! They were all kitted-out prior to being taken to the aircraft, then it was time to get airborne…

Each flight lasted roughly 15 minutes, giving cadets plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos of this unique experience. During the flight, a member of the aircrew lowered the rear ramp and walked out onto it, allowing the cadets a clearer view of the ground below.

An unknown squadron mascot takes in the view.

"Being told that I had a spot on the AEF Flying Experience is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Included in the day, we were given a special tour of the Hawks at 11 Squadron with the courtesy of some of the pilots. This gave me an interesting insight into RAF everyday life. We were lucky enough to be allowed to take photos inside the aircraft which you can’t usually do!“

- Cadet Corporal Coan

Later on, the team met a couple of pilots from 11 Squadron, also based at RAF Leeming. These pilots gave them a tour around one of their brand new Hawk aircraft. The one they looked around was the third-to-last ever built for the United Kingdom, so it could have been built in Brough! We received a detailed walk around the aircraft, looking at every aspect, from the cockpit, to the wing tips.

“This was a once in a lifetime experience and we would recommend to any cadet who is given the opportunity.”

- Cadet Corporal Grace Kenny

Our thanks go to the wing aviation officer, Squadron Leader Adam Waudby, for delivering such an amazing opportunity.