On Sunday 29^th January, 9 Air Cadets from 1181 (Syston) Squadron, Leicester, ventured out to RAF College Cranwell for some Air Experience Flying. This was the first flying allocation that the squadron had been given for 2012 and many cadets were keen to go! There was some anticipation on the coach journey to Cranwell as many of the squadron’s previous flying slots had been cancelled during 2011 – so there was a lot of excitement from both staff and cadets on arrival when they found out that they were still able to fly that afternoon.

During the afternoon, the cadets flew in the Grob Tutor aircraft, a two seater light training aircraft. The cadets had the chance to use the aircraft controls, further their flying skills and all of them even got the chance to fly some aerobatics all with the help of the experienced pilots from 7 Air Experience Flight.

For some of the cadets, the day was even more special as it was the first time that they had flown with the Air Cadets since they had joined the squadron. One of the first time fliers was Cadet Studd who said “At first my nerves tried to take the best of me. But having being kitted up and getting in the aircraft, hearing the engine start made me excited! As soon as I was up there my nerves had gone and I even did aerobatics! An opportunity not to be missed!” Another one of the first time fliers was Cadet Sutton, “Flying was great! From the moment we got off the ground the excitement began! Climbing above the clouds my pilot suggested aerobatics and after getting used to the forces I got given the controls and did them myself (that was nerve racking, I think even the pilot was scared)! Great day, would recommend it to anyone!”