Air Cadets from across the country have enjoyed a behind the scenes visit to the British Airways’ Training Headquarters, thanks to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets National Air and Space Camp.
Hosted by British Airways at Heathrow Airport, each cadet had a 45-minute training session in a full-motion flight simulator under the instruction of British Airways pilots.
Cadets also explored one of the newest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, an Airbus A350 undergoing a deep service, with engineering apprentices on hand to answer questions and explain all the work underway.
The visit finished at the Flight Crew Training Centre, learning how cabin crew deal with fires during flight, experiencing a simulated emergency evacuation and using the emergency door slides.
The day also allowed the cadets to learn more about working at British Airways, speaking with pilots and to see for themselves what a career in the aviation industry could look like.
The visit was only possible thanks to British Airway’s Training Captain Ruth Smith, a former Air Cadet, and her volunteer team, who gave up their weekend to show the cadets around and deliver training. Ruth said:
With a team of British Airways volunteers on hand throughout the day, the cadets had the opportunity to ask first hand lots of questions and draw on their experience and expertise.
Judging by the smiles, abundance of questions and enthusiasm all round, the day was a huge success.
As always we would like to extend our thanks to all those who gave their free time to support this important visit and help inspire the next generation.
The eight cadets who attended were selected by the British Airways team at the 2023 RAFAC National Air and Space Camp for their interest and engagement with the mobile simulator and BA’s Inspire outreach team.
Sqn Ldr Tom Hunt, Deputy Camp Commandant for the National Air and Space Camp, said:
We’re very excited to be back at Heathrow with BA for a second time. It’s a sign of the collaboration and strengthening partnership between British Airways and the National Air and Space Camp. The British Airways team and their simulator are always popular visitors to the camp’s industry day, and these subsequent visit days are such a unique opportunity for our cadets.
British Airways and the RAF Air Cadets share the aim of inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming British Airways back to the National Air and Space Camp in 2024.
