Air force cadets from Albany Squadron 705 take to skies in Cessna aircraft for air experience training

Young would-be pilots recently had the opportunity to take to the skies for the first time, with air force cadets flying across the region in a light aircraft. Albany Air Force cadets from the 705 Squadron took turns flying a Cessna aircraft over the Great Southern as part of their air experience training. Albany Squadron Commanding Officer Flight Lt Marion Daems said the opportunity to experience aviation gave cadets a proper taste for the field. “For some cadets, it was their first time in a light aircraft, and for older cadets, their first time at the controls under the supervision of a qualified flying instructor,” she said. “Flying an aircraft is one of the most exciting activities a young person can undertake, and many of the cadets also used the flight to look for their house, while also getting a bird’s-eye view of their suburb and school.” Flight Lt Daems said flying in real military aircraft was one of many activities on offer in the program, with cadets also taking part in technical and adventurous activities such as bushcraft, survival training, and rudimentary defence training that could allow them to operate firearms safely. Alongside manned aircraft, cadets are engaged in assembling, programming and flying missions with remotely powered drones. Cadets have the opportunity to start flying solo from age 16. Membership is open to all young people aged 12-18 who are Australian residents, in Year 7 or higher, and reasonably fit — subject to parental permission.