241 (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron ATC

Three cadets from the Sqn have returned from Gliding Scholarship courses at Weathersfield and Kenley airfields, flying the Vking glider. Sgt Jess Murphy, Cdts Araan Mondahass and Sophia Plent, with all three gaining their wings on the courses, with Cdt Mondahass going solo. His report is below:

"On Friday the 23rd of July I travelled to Kenley renowned for its use during World War 2 as a fighter base in the battle of Britain. Arriving there I made friends instantly with all other 12 cadets. The first couple days of gliding were mostly teaching us the basic control and effects of the glider which were made even better because of the perfect weather we had. Every time we were launched up we would get a flight lasting 30 minutes due to thermals, these were roughly the same time we would achieve in a tutor but we had no engine. While we were not being catapulted into the air we would help launch the other gliders.

During the middle of the week we were subjected to reasonable weather condition as we started the more important aspect of gliding such as and landings, circuits and Emergency procedure which often required us to go through periods of negative G force and experience the adrenaline of trying to land the glider on one of the shortest airfield in the country after a cable break. Which was sometime heart stopping. During one day we got the rare opportunity to retrieve one of the squadron gliders from the Farnborough air show. This required us to dismantle it and put it back together which was fun experience that gave an insight in to parts of the glider they we don’t get to see normally.

After continually practicing ghost rides on Wednesday and Thursday. I was then told by my instructor I was ready for my check ride with the squadron head instructor to ensure I could fly the glider properly and safely by myself. After nervously completing my check ride the head pilot got out the glider and said “Ok Araan, you’re ready for your solo.” This brought complete joy to me as it would mean I was certainly getting my silver wings. The whole flight was uneventful and was like any ordinary flight expect the occasional outburst of the Top Gun anthem and couple of clichés from the movie, but this was overshadowed by the amazing landscape covered in a setting blood red sun. I would advise anyone to go on the course, it is one of the best that the ATC offers!"

Cadets from the Squadron have had the opportunity to fire the L98A2 rifle 3 times over the Summer holidays with two visits to the ranges at Pirbright and those on camp using the range at RAF Lossiemouth. The cadets, who have to pass stringent tests before live firing, where able to fire practises to try to qualify to marksman badges consisting of their ability to group 5 rds in under 2inches (which is not as easy as it sounds) and then hit a specified area whilst firing under timed conditions. Many cadets where able to qualify for one of the 4 class of Marksman, with Cdt Hussain and Benjafield gaining the highest qualification of the Corps Marksman. The photos show the cadets on the range and Cpl Fox haveing some difficulities with the ammunition box!

Cadets have just returned from an action packed week at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, home of the Tornado GR4 Bomber Force. Together with cadets from Elm Park 21 of our cadets experienced a week of life with the RAF, with all cadets being able to get up close to a Tornado, live fire the No8 and L98 rifles, take part in section visits to various units on the base, such as the RAF Regiment, Air Traffic Control, Fire Section, and Aircraft Maintence Flight. In addition they had the opportunity to fly in a Search and Rescue Sea King, competled a nerve testing high ropes course and one cadet managed to set fire to his socks whilst ironong them!

Cdt Mullings said "It was a great experience. We done loads of activities that I wouldn't have dreamed of doing when I joined. I was supprised that they managed to fit all of it into 1 week. It was a once in a lifetime expeience and I would love to go again. The highlight of the week was definatly getting a flight in the Sea King. The Tornado GR4 were really loud you could hardly hear the L98 A2 whilst firing it!"

A former cadet and officer on the Sqn, Jason Reuben has completed a triple marathon accross the wastes of the Namibian Desert in Southern Africa. Jason, a Aerospace Battle Manager in the RAF took part in the gruelling Namibian Ultra Marathon, running 78 miles in 22 hours in 40 degree heat, dodging venomous snakes, raising £700 for Help for Heros in the process. Jason said "I was looking for something that was out of the ordinary and a challenge and this fitted the bill!" Jason is still a familiar face on the Sqn as a Service helper who assists at Squadron events through the year, although rarely in such heat!