13 Oct 08 - Ripon Cadets see the civil side of aviation
A group of Ripon Air Cadets have just been on an airport visit with a difference. Most people have experienced passenger travel, and the cadets regularly visit RAF airfields, but this time they visited DHL's freight hub at East Midlands airport.
On arrival, the ten cadets from 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron Air Training Corps started with a briefing. This included details of freight operations, technical information about the Boeing 757 as used by DHL and conversion of the airframe from passenger to freight use. After a quick trip through the loading warehouse, which was earily silent, being the weekend, they then moved out to the aircraft itself.
Engineers from DHL Air operations showed them the inner workings of the Rolls Royce engines that power the 757 before the cadets moved inside the aircraft for a closer inspection. The highlight for many of them was the chance to sit in the pilot's seat as they were shown the flight deck by Captain Chris Pearce of DHL. The visit ended with the cadets walking through a "pre flight" check of the outside of the airplane - a procedure undertaken by the pilots before every flight.
Speaking about the visit, commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Chris Crebbin said "This was a great opportunity for the cadets, and something a little bit different to what we are normally able to show them. We are very grateful to DHL for making this trip possible, and look forward to bringing some more cadets for a repeat visit some time"
Ripon squadron is currently recruiting new cadets aged 13 years or older and volunteer adult staff aged over 20. They meet at the Cadet Centre on Clotherholme Road every Tuesday and Friday from 7pm - 9.30pm. Anybody interested should contact the squadron on (01765) 609622 or email the commanding officer at oc.886@aircadets.org. For further information, visit the squadron web site at www.886.org.uk
