Guernsey Air Cadets enjoy RAF's flying visit

Sunday 08 November 2020

While the Royal Air Force has been in Guernsey this week for essential training, the island's Air Cadets have been doing their own preparations ahead of this morning's Remembrance Day Parade.

Aviation enthusiasts have spotted the C17 Globemaster and Chinook helicopter in Guernsey's skies and airport this week, creating an appropriate backdrop for some of the island's young, aspiring pilots, who have been undertaking drill training alongside the runway.

"Whilst the airport has been busy this week with impressive visits from the RAF with their amazing C17 Globemaster and Chinook helicopter for essential training,  the  Guernsey Air Cadets have been undertaking their own essential training in preparation for the Remembrance Day Parade," said Brian Aplin Flt Lt, the Cadets' Commanding Officer.

"Appropriately, this has involved drill training alongside the runway at the Air Scouts HQ, with aircraft taking off and landing as the backdrop. Most of the cadets are very keen on all things aviation, some have already flown solo and all of them are following the national RAF Air Cadets Progressive Training Scheme which focuses on Aviation, Leadership and Challenge."

"The Parade on Sunday is a sombre occasion and we expect the Cadets to represent young people at the Island Service of Remembrance. I am always impressed by the high standards achieved, especially given that the Air Cadets is voluntary and extra to their ongoing school commitments. Guernsey can be proud of its Air Cadets."

The group have also enjoyed a presentation this week by Cpl Noah Purdue, who has recently ‘gone solo’ in his quest to become a fully qualified pilot with the help of scholarships from RAFA and Specsavers.

Mr Aplin said the group currently has space for a new recruit interested in joining the current group, which has an even gender split.

"The next enrolment of Air Cadet recruits happens at the end of the school term so we will have space for a new recruit cadre aged 12-16 (Year 8 and above) and I encourage boys and girls who are keen on aviation to consider joining as a New Years Resolution."

More details on how to join can be found HERE.