RAF St Mawgan hosts air cadets for flying experience programme

Young people from across the South West have taken to the skies as part of a two-week flying programme at RAF St Mawgan.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets were given the opportunity to fly during a detachment by No 3 Air Experience Flight, which ran over the Easter break from 13 to 24 April.

The unit, normally based at MOD Boscombe Down, temporarily operated from RAF St Mawgan in partnership with Cornwall Airport Newquay.

Cadets from Plymouth and Cornwall Wing and Devon and Somerset Wing took part, with organisers saying the programme helped reduce the need for long journeys to access flying opportunities.

Four Tutor aircraft were used during the programme, supported by RAF personnel, volunteer pilots and civilian engineers.

Air Experience Flying is designed to give cadets a first-hand introduction to aviation, leadership and the RAF, with many taking the controls of an aircraft for the first time.

Organisers said the programme also highlighted inclusion, with cadets of different backgrounds and abilities taking part.

Among them were Cadet Sergeant Eliza, who has a hearing impairment, and Cadet Corporal Imogen, who uses a prosthetic arm. Both completed their flights during the programme.

Squadron Leader Rob Farrant, Executive Officer at RAF St Mawgan, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome No 3 Air Experience Flight and the Air Cadets to RAF St Mawgan. Seeing so many young people taking to the air has been inspiring, particularly the determination shown by cadets like Eliza and Imogen.

“I was especially impressed with the excellent partnership with Cornwall Airport Newquay in supporting opportunities for young people across the south west.”

Organisers said the experience aims to inspire confidence and ambition, with some cadets considering future careers in aviation or the Armed Forces.