Able Cadet Natalia flying through prestigious Naval Wings Programme

Last week I had the amazing opportunity of going on a flying course at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall thanks to a Naval Wings programme organised by the Sea Cadets.

During the course, we had lessons on everything to do with aircraft – engineering, air law, meteorology, radiotelephony… the list goes on. The lessons were pretty intensive, and made even more so by the practical and written exams we all had to complete throughout the week. Ultimately whether or not we passed the course came down to a combination of these exams and a continual assessment of whether our behaviour was that of a future pilot.

When not in lessons, we visited squadrons across RNAS Culdrose, seeing a huge range of aircraft, from drones to helicopters – my highlight was probably going on the Sea King flight simulator at HeliOps training facility, where we took off and landed a Sea King helicopter from an aircraft carrier.

It was also a great place to meet cadets from all over the UK, from Scotland to Guernsey, and I made loads of new friends. And at the end, all 32 cadets passed the course and gained the Bronze Wings qualification!

Only the top 12 students get to go on the Silver Wings course, which can include flying Gliders and the Grob Tutor T1 Aircraft. Thankfully, I was made 2nd top cadet (which also involved receiving cool prizes).

I am very grateful for the ex-pilot teachers on the course who volunteered their time to share their skills and expertise with us, and to Lt Col Richmond who helped me with my application.

OC3* Natalia Pearce