During the October half-term, 32 air cadets and staff from 1460 (Banbury) Squadron were welcomed to RAF Odiham by Sqn Ldr Steven Debling and Flt Lt Rob Neal of 18 (Bomber) Squadron, RAF. Flt Lt Neal gave a brief on the Chinook capabilities, life at RAF Odiham and the array of specialisations across the RAF that are required to not only get a Chinook aircraft in the air, but to project Chinook capability across the globe.
Following the brief, the cadets were split into three groups where they were shown around the aircraft which included a safety brief ready for their air experience flight by FS Stephen ‘Taff’ Jenkins. The cadets ensured that aviators were kept on their toes by asking extremely broad ranging and inquisitive questions – these weren’t necessarily constrained to just the aircraft!
By mid-morning, the cadets sat in a sortie brief that was given by Sqn Ldr Debling, giving them a rare insight into the planning and preparation that goes into every aircraft sortie. After a short lunch, it was time for the Cadets to meet their “turning and burning” (engines on and rotors turning) Chinook flown by Sqn Ldr Debling who was the aircraft commander. It was clear that excitement levels amongst the cadets were likely near to, or exceeded, those experienced on Christmas morning!
Unfortunately, the aircraft had a minor technical fault that required the crew to switch to a spare aircraft. This appeared to have little impact to their excitement levels and potentially just added to them further! The short flight went as planned, lasting approximately 15 minutes for each of the two groups of cadets.
Due to the delay in the flight, planned visits to the air traffic control tower and the military working dogs section were regretfully cancelled. However, once the Cadets had returned from their flight, swapped ‘Top Gun’ stories and cleaned out 18 Sqn’s shop of its T-shirts and badges, there was still time to visit the survival equipment section, commanded by Fg Off Dom Laundy.
The visit saw the cadets climb into life rafts, experience night vision goggles, try on aircrew equipment and even try some aircrew rations (sweets in language we all understand!).
Before departing, the RAF photography team ensured the visit was formally captured by the Chinook gate guardian. This included an attempt to recreate a photo taken in 2002 of the 1460 (Banbury) Sqn Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Karl Kisley, along with Sqn Ldr Steven Debling and Flt Lt Rob Neal, who were all air cadets together.
The cadets were reportedly ‘buzzing’ all the way home and they leave with memories they can share with family and friends alike, along with a positive outlook on the RAF and RAF Air Cadet organisations. One Cadet was heard to remark “this is the coolest day of my life, ever!”
Sqn Ldr Debling described the value of the visit to the cadets,
“This was an excellent and rare opportunity for the Air Cadet youth organisation to experience some of the realities of service life directly from two former Air Cadets. Whilst I have no doubt their short flight was a highlight for the cadets, from my perspective the day was about enthusing the next generation of potential Aviators of the wide-ranging benefits of a career in the RAF. I personally remember visiting RAF stations as an Air Cadet and the importance of station visits, which includes talking to serving personnel, should not be under-valued.
I distinctly remember being in their shoes as a Cadet with a hope that one day I too could have a career in the RAF, these visits are undoubtedly beneficial for both RAF and Air Cadet organisations. Both Rob and I took great pleasure in ensuring their day was as enjoyable and informative as possible and we thank all those involved who made the day possible.”