Two Receive Wings Blue
On Sunday 6th October 2024, Cadet Sergeant Pearson, Cadet Haddock, and Cadet Pniewski took to the skies inside the Grob Viking glider.
The day began at RAF Syerston, home of RAF Air Cadets gliding, with a safety briefing, in which they rehearsed how to safely and correctly enter and exit the aircraft. The cadets were also asked to perform an emergency exit, consisting of removing the canopy and jumping out of the glider after locating the parachute “D-ring”. A test to ensure the cadets would be able to pull the D-ring of the parachute was also carried out, using a hydraulic gauge which was attached to the wall, simulating the resistance that would be felt in the event of a real emergency.
Parachute fitting.
Buckling in.
Pulling the D-ring to activate the parachute.
Having made their way to the airfield, Cdt Sgt Pearson was the first to be taken up. The glider was hooked up to the winch and pulled into the air.
They completed a short circuit, demonstrating the connections between the control surfaces and roll, pitch, and yaw. Once they had landed, the aircraft was connected up again. This time, there was extra time for taking airborne photos!
Cdt Pniewski helps secure Cdt Sgt Pearson ahead of the first launch.
Cdt Pniewski is strapped in.
Cadet Haddock is ready for action.
Cdt Sgt Pearson helps prepare a glider for launch.
Cdt Pniewski was second up.
“During launch you can feel the g-force pulling you back into your seat”
During his second flight, the pilot allowed him to take control of the aircraft for a short while, giving him the opportunity to practice what he had learned on the squadron’s simulators.
Finally, Cdt Haddock got airborne.
“The negative g-force experienced as the glider levels itself out feels really strange but also freeing.”
A view from up high.
During his second flight, the pilot managed to find a thermal which they circled around to gain height, adding to his flight time. During the final approach, the pilot decided to land close to the hanger so that they could store the aircraft. This meant landing on a very bumpy area of land, which made for an energetic landing!
Both cadets Pniewski and Haddock received their blue wings, signifying the completion of both the basic ground and air phases of their initial aviation training package.
OC 1324 Sqn presents Cdt Pniewski with his blue wings.
OC 1324 Sqn presents Cdt Haddock with his blue wings.