The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTTST) has teamed up with the Air Cadet Organisation to begin a new education programme.

Squadrons from Castleford, Doncaster, Bawtry and Dinnington came together at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum for a presentation from Education Manager Miriam Tong.

The education programme from VTTST will be visiting various locations across the UK with Air Cadet Squadrons being invited to aviation themed venues like the South Yorkshire museum.

Steve Hague, Chairman of the British Aviation Preservation Council, Trustee of the South Yorkshire Air Museum and a Civilian Instructor with Castleford Air Cadets, launched the education programme by welcoming VTTST and the 50 staff and cadets in attendance.

Miriam then gave an informative and detailed presentation of the development of the Vulcan through the cold war and over the next 40 years of RAF service. Despite being the backbone of the UK nuclear deterrent in the 50’s and 60’s the Vulcan did not see active service until 1982.

However, after a multi million pound restoration she flew again on 18 October 2007. The costs of running such an old aircraft are huge, hitting £29,000 for a typical two hour sortie. But the Vulcan is such a huge draw that air shows up and down the UK bring out the crowds in their tens of thousands for the famous Vulcan Howl.

Following a short break, the cadets also took part in the Vulcan Survival Challenge where each team had to work out which was the most important piece of survival equipment and then present and demonstrate why they thought so. Ideas ranged from ration packs, to water sachets and fishing lines and each team was scored on their reasoning and presentation. Winning honours this time went to 103 (Doncaster) Squadron.