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University of London Air Squadron students take first flights at RAF Wittering




University students swapped the lecture theatre for the cockpit at RAF Wittering last week as they began life as officer cadets.

Undergraduates from the University of London Air Squadron (ULAS) took their first 'familiarisation flights during a three-day induction.

It was their first experience of full-time training after being sworn into the RAF.

Officer cadet Em Lloyd and ULAS instructor, Flight Lieutenant Ken McCann. Photo: Officer Cadet Luc Gillard
Officer cadet Em Lloyd and ULAS instructor, Flight Lieutenant Ken McCann. Photo: Officer Cadet Luc Gillard

Officer cadets usually spend two or three years with the squadron and are expected to attend full-time training over the summer at RAF Wittering.

The base is the home of five flying units, including Cambridge University Air Squadron and ULAS which draws students from nearly 30 universities in London and the south east.

Among those taking the controls was Em Lloyd (22), who is studying medicine at University College London, and hopes to be a medical officer in the RAF.

Officer cadet Em Lloyd after her familiarisation flight. Photo: Officer Cadet Luc Gillard
Officer cadet Em Lloyd after her familiarisation flight. Photo: Officer Cadet Luc Gillard

“It was absolutely amazing,” she said.

“I’ve never flown before, but my instructor was absolutely great and I didn’t even feel too nervous. I absolutely can’t wait to progress towards flying solo and hope that I can be back flying again soon in the new year.”

University Air Squadrons are expected to recruit around a third of entrants for officer training. The programme gives undergraduates a chance to sample RAF life, learning leadership and team-building skills as well as flight, but without any commitment to joining the services.

Squadron Leader Chris Parkinson, Officer Commanding University of London Air Squadron, said: “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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