Cadets flying high

FOUR siblings had their heads in the clouds as they took a giant leap towards achieving their dreams of a flying career.

Cadets Sophie (13), Kyle (13), Liam (15) and Ryan (16) Blackmore — all brothers and sisters from 1855 (Royton) Squadron and Cardinal Langley RC High School, Middleton — took to the skies for an amazing day of flying.

Air cadets from across Oldham united as 18 from the Royton squadron and eight from the newly formed 2200 (Saddleworth) Detached Flight scrambled to RAF Woodvale, near Southport.

The Blackmore siblings joined the Champion Squadron of 2008 in July and have worked extremely hard to make the grade to fly.

All four had smiles from ear to ear during the event and say they are now even more determined for a career in the Royal Air Force.

The day saw the first flights for the recently established Saddleworth group and organisers say it was a rewarding occasion after three months of hard work to ensure cadets were ready to take to the sky.

After training in navigation and radio communication, the cadets brushed up on their aircraft handling before taking control of the Grob Tutor aircraft. They flew for the equivalent of 18 hours in five aircraft.

The cadets were then treated to a tour of a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter that had landed at the station during a training exercise.

The helicopter crew, made up of RAF and Royal Navy personnel, were more than happy to take time out to show the cadets how their £84 million aircraft worked.

Flight Sgt Dave Miles, of 820 Naval Air Squadron, said: “It’s been 14 years since I was a cadet. I joined the RAF after leaving school and I’m now attached to the Royal Navy.

“The Air Cadets is a great opportunity for young men and women to learn about aviation and is great at character building. I wouldn’t have got to where I have today if it wasn’t for them.”

The Air Training Corps aims to encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force, provide training that will be useful in the services and civilian life and foster a spirit of adventure, qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

Both units are currently recruiting cadets and giving the opportunity for anyone over 13 to visit for an insight. Contact Royton on 0161-6244227 or Saddleworth on 07881-622286 for details.