My first ever flying experience (as a pilot) was absolutely phenomenal, I can't even explain much I enjoyed it!

The day started off nice and early, departing from the squadron at seven in the morning. We travelled by minibus to MOD Boscombe Down, an MOD base situated a few miles north of Salisbury. Once we arrived, we were taken to our room that we'd be staying in for the day. Here, a pilot briefed us on the current weather and the forecast, wind speed, some information on the aircraft we would be flying (the Grob Tutor) and some of the dangers of flying. After going through all this, we were shown a video about the aircraft, which covered some more information that was specific to the Tutor. We then took part in emergency exercises that taught us what to do if the worst came to the worst! This was still fun, even though the context was serious! Anyway, after the briefing, we were sent off in groups of three to get kitted out ready to fly! When I was called down ready to get equipped, I couldn't stop moving from excitement.

Once we had changed and the tutors had returned we were sent out to meet our pilots. I introduced myself to the pilot Flight Lieutenant Taylor, who would be taking me up for my flight, I was ecstatic! He checked his control surfaces and radio clarity, taxied down the taxiway and took off. We ascended to five thousand feet and the view was incredible. I could see Southampton! Sir then told me the plan for the flight was; to do a few small turns to get used to the aircraft and possibly do a some aerobatic manoeuvers. I learned that sir was a retired fast jet pilot in the RAF and had joined the flight school as a volunteer in 2009. After this small conversation, he gave me control of the aircraft and asked me to do a few turns. i some how managed to bottle my excitement to get reasonably decent control of the aircraft, and managed some smooth banks to the left and right, which felt awesome. After this, sir took control again and took us through a wing-over, a barrel-roll, loop, stall turn, 0G and 4G!

Everything was just incredible. After the aerobatics, the pilot told me to fly the aircraft onto the approach path, this required me to use the skills I had been taught, throttle control, maintaining level flight, using the compass, attitude indicator and rate of descent meter to guide me on to the right path. It was amazing! About a mile away from touchdown, sir took control and landed. Once we had taxied back to the ground crew, I thanked Flt Lt Taylor, shook his hand and left the aircraft to go and take my gear off.

It was an experience that I will never forget and I recommend it to everyone, it is simply incredible!

By Cadet Bowie 30.01.15