Germany provided the perfect setting for a cadet exchange experienced by Grace Cartwright, a Civilian Gliding Instructor with 626 Volunteer Gliding Squadron. This two-week journey took Grace and fellow cadets from Frankfurt to Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich.
Throughout their travels, they were given unique access to military facilities, aircraft manufacturing plants, and cultural landmarks. This article chronicles Grace's personal account of the adventure, highlighting the remarkable experiences and memorable moments that shaped her understanding of German aviation and culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt
We landed in Frankfurt Airport, where we met up with the staff and other cadets. After gathering our group, we began our journey by traveling up to Cologne Barracks, settling in for the trip ahead.
Day 2: Castle Drachenburg and formal dinner
Our first full day began with a scenic hike up to Castle Drachenburg. Despite the rainy start, the skies cleared by the time we reached the top, rewarding us with stunning views. That evening, we attended a formal dinner at the barracks, a great opportunity to get to know the other cadets.
Day 3: Nörvenich Air Base and fighter jets
We travelled to Nörvenich Air Base to visit the Typhoon and Tornado squadrons, home to one of the world's last active Tornado squadrons. Seeing these iconic jets up close was a highlight for many of us.
Day 4: Transport aircraft and accident investigation
A fascinating day began with a visit to Air Transport Squadron 62 (A400M), where we explored flight simulators, the loadmaster training area, and even stepped inside an aircraft. We then travelled to Brunswick to visit the Federal Office of Aircraft Accident Investigation, where we attended a presentation and examined aircraft wreckage.
Day 5: Exploring Hamburg
A break from aviation, this day was all about sightseeing in Hamburg! We enjoyed a guided city tour before having free time to explore and do some shopping.
Day 6: Gliding and football
A thrilling day at Uetersen Soaring Club, where each of us had the chance to glide over Hamburg's skyline. The evening was spent at a BBQ at the airfield, followed by watching England play in the Euros final, which was taking place in Berlin.
Day 7: Inside the Airbus factory
We visited the Airbus factory in Hamburg, touring the different production stages and learning how commercial aircraft are built.
Day 8: Berlin Parliament and bike tour
In Berlin, we toured the German Parliament, learning about its fascinating history. After some free time for shopping, we enjoyed a bike sightseeing tour around the city.
Day 9: Vintage aircraft experience
Today, we visited an old-timer airfield. Unfortunately, we couldn't fly in the vintage aircraft, but we had a fantastic time exploring the hangar and speaking with the pilots.
Day 10: Surprise A400 flight
Instead of our planned coach transfer to Bavaria, we were surprised with a flight on an A400! This unexpected opportunity allowed us to explore the aircraft mid-flight and even visit the cockpit.
Day 11: Airbus helicopters
We toured Airbus Helicopters, gaining insight into how these machines are built and maintained. The afternoon included some free time to explore Augsburg.
Day 12: Behind the scenes at Lufthansa
A visit to Lufthansa Technik at Munich Airport gave us a behind-the-scenes look at aircraft maintenance. We explored two aircraft currently undergoing servicing before enjoying free time in Munich.
Day 13: Dachau and weather challenges
An important day as we visited Dachau Concentration Camp. Our guided tour gave us deep insight into its history. In the afternoon, we had planned a hike in the Alps, but thunderstorms forced a cancellation.
Day 14: Aviation Museum and farewell
On our journey back to Frankfurt, we stopped at an aviation museum, exploring a range of historic aircraft. Our incredible trip concluded with a farewell BBQ at the barracks, a perfect way to celebrate an unforgettable two weeks before heading home the next day.
