SIX Royal Air Force Air Cadets from Okehampton Squadron joined 780 others from all over Devon and Somerset to experience a 20 minute flight in a Chinook helicopter based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire recently.  

A full day was spent at RAF Odiham with staff on hand to show up close some of the equipment used in terms of flight safety and armament as well as a display by medics and the RAF Police.

The highlight of the day was a 20 minute flight in the Chinook helicopter along with an aerobatic display demonstrating the agility of this large and impressive machine.

The cadets also took part in team building exercises courtesy of the local RAF Recruitment Team.

Flt Lt Andy Oliver RAFVR(T), the Commanding Officer of Okehampton cadets, said: 'This was a fantastic opportunity for the cadets to get to fly in an operational RAF helicopter.

'The distinctive twin rotor blades of this aircraft are regularly heard over our skies and it was great to take the guys up in the air for their 20 minute flight.

'The cadets have been very active recently, attending events and helping the local community  so this opportunity was a fitting reward for the lucky six.'

The squadron will soon be taking entrants from the new Year 8 school group.

Contact the squadron on oc.2443@aircadets. org to find out more about what the squadron is up to.