RAF Wittering News

University Of London Air Squadron Students First Flight

Undergraduates took to the skies at Royal Air Force Wittering in Cambridgeshire last week for their first flights with the University of London Air Squadron.

Familiarisation flights are part of an intense three-day induction period, and the first flight that new officer cadets take after being sworn into the RAF. With fitness sessions and many key lectures to attend, induction is also their first experience of full-time training.

Squadron Leader Chris Parkinson is Officer Commanding University of London Air Squadron (ULAS). He said: “These first few days introduce our new intake to life in the RAF Volunteer Reserve, but the job of our cadets is to graduate, being a member of a University Air Squadron (UAS) does not relieve students of any academic responsibility.”

The badge of the University of London Air Squadron
The badge of the University of London Air Squadron
Image By: Supplied Image

UAS’s offer undergraduates a unique chance to sample RAF life. Their main role is to attract talent to Regular and Reserve RAF service, and educate selected undergraduates on the role of Air & Space Power in delivering the nation’s defence. But joining ULAS doesn’t necessarily mean joining the RAF. As well as specialist training and the chance to fly, students learn valuable leadership and team-building skills.

One of the undergraduates to have a familiarisation flight was Em Lloyd (22) from South Wales. Em is studying Medicine at University College London and said: “It was absolutely amazing - we were really lucky with the weather and the views were phenomenal! I’ve never flown before, but my instructor was absolutely great and I didn’t even feel too nervous.”

Officer Cadet Em Lloyd and ULAS Instructor, Flight Lieutenant Ken McCann
Officer Cadet Em Lloyd and ULAS Instructor, Flight Lieutenant Ken McCann
Image By: Officer Cadet Luc Gillard

RAF Wittering is the home of five flying units. The University of London Air Squadron, Cambridge University Air Squadron, No 115 Squadron, No 16 Squadron and No 5 Air Experience Flight gives Air Cadets their first experiences of flying. Established in 1935, ULAS was the third UAS to be formed and draws students from nearly thirty universities inside the M25 and south east of England.

The UAS’s are expected to recruit around a third of entrants into RAF Initial Officer Training (IOT). Squadron Leader Parkinson said: “Our job is to prepare these students for selection, and then for officer training. It’s a busy three years, but enormously beneficial. Those who choose not to stay with the RAF after graduation, become very effective ambassadors for us.”

Students who successfully graduate from university and complete their time with a UAS not only stand a better chance of completing their IOT, but also qualify for an eight-week reduction as they will have already covered much of the existing syllabus.

Em Lloyd’s first flight made a deep impression.  She said: “I absolutely can’t wait to progress towards flying solo and hope that I can be back flying again soon in the New Year! Definitely aiming for a career in the RAF and hoping to apply for the role of Medical Officer.”

Officer Cadet Em Lloyd after her familiarisation flight
Officer Cadet Em Lloyd after her familiarisation flight
Image By: Officer Cadet Luc Gillard

Typically, Officer Cadets will spend two or three years with a ULAS. During that time they will be expected to attend ‘Town Nights’ for training at RAF Northolt and will attend full-time training over the summer at RAF Wittering. If their studies allow, and they have some free time, Officer Cadets can come to Wittering for extra flying training.

Squadron Leader Parkinson concluded: “This has to be one of the best jobs in RAF, watching these young people grow and fulfil their potential. ULAS has recruited some of the best officers ever to have joined the Service. Our new intake are starting out on what I hope will be a uniquely rewarding journey.”

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