We are delighted to announce that the new Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS) is now underway following the first intensive training scheme at Leuchars Station.
Air Cadets from three ATC Squadrons and a CCF (RAF) Unit have taken part in the three-week programme and were honoured to be the first ever cadets to take to the sky solo in a Tutor aircraft.
The ACPS has now resumed in a new format and is at the forefront of our aviation training package. The cadets received the same training and support from OC No 12 Air Experience Flight (AEF) and No 6 Flying Training School that RAF pilots and those at University Air Squadrons receive.
Cadet Warrant Officer Knapp, Cadet Warrant Officer Hughes, Cadet Flight Sergeant Bhavsar and Cadet Flight Sergeant Able made history as the first to complete the programme in the Tutor aircraft. They were awarded their Gold Badges by Group Captain Sohail Khan, the Regional Commandant for Scotland and Northern Ireland on Friday.
He said:
“On behalf of the RAF Air Cadet organisation, it’s wonderful to be at Leuchars today to see the four participants successfully complete the new format of the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS) with No 6 FTS, and be able to award them their Gold Flying Badges. It has undoubtedly been a challenging journey to get to this stage, and they should be justifiably proud of their achievements as new RAF Tutor pilots! It is also important to mention those personnel whose support has been key to successfully realising the first iteration of the new ACPS format, and I would like to thank that staff of No 12 AEF, the aviation specialists in RAFAC HQ, and my own staff in the Scotland & Northern Ireland Region HQ.”
We will be working with selected University Air Squadrons and AEF’s using Qualified Flying Instructors to offer courses each year. The training follows the RAF elementary pilot training syllabus up to and including their first solo.
Cadet Warrant Officer Hughes from Wales and West Region said:
“ACPS has been an amazing experience for all of us involved. It’s the first time the Air Cadets have flown a tutor solo so it’s been very exciting to be part of this and for the course to get up and running.”
Cadet Flight Sergeant Able, from the North Region said:
“I would like to thank my OC who has been so supportive in the Application process and thank all the staff and QFI’s here at 12 AEF. This course, the Air cadet Pilot Scheme Programme has allowed us to move into future careers in the aviation industry and be more apt and knowledgeable candidates for future employers.”
Cadet Warrant Officer Knapp from Exeter School CCF(RAF) said:
“I would like to thank 12 AEF for this Incredible opportunity and making it possible. I had such an amazing time – one I will never forget. I have met so many lovely people and I would like to also thank my section contingent commander for making this possible.”
Cadet Flight Sergeant Bhavsar from LASER Region said:
“During ACPS I was able to achieve my solo and being an air cadet and joining for the prime reason of flying. I think going solo on this course and being the first ever cadet in the country to achieve this was a fantastic feeling. It gives hope for people who come from low social economic backgrounds to finally look up to people and see you can fly and to an exceptionally good standard in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.”
AOC 22 Group, Air Vice Marshal Ian Townsend said:
“I offer my congratulations to the first four successful RAF Air Cadets who have flown solo under the new Air Cadet Pilot Scheme. RAF Air Cadets, in RAF aircraft being instructed by RAF instructors is a simply superb combination of excellence, enthusiasm and safety. Well done to all those who have worked to bring together this new Scheme.”
Air Vice Marshal Townsend
AOC 22 Group