Flt Lt Bates - Commanding Officer
Donna joined our squadron in 1992 as a Civilian Instructor, having no prior Cadet or connection with the ATC. She originally joined
the squadron to run the tuck shop, having been roped in by her brother who was a Sergeant at the Squadron. Donna gained her commission
in 1993 and took on the role of Squadron Commander in 2002. During her time with the squadron, Donna has completed her Gold Duke of
Edinburgh award and also attained the Community Sports Leader Award. Donna holds the basic Food & Hygiene certificate and has
completed the Corps Health & Safety course.
As the squadron Commanding Offer, Donna is responsible for all administration, staff & cadet welfare and the overall running of the squadron.
Flt Lt Wheeler
David joined the Air Cadet Organisation in 1988 as a Civilian Instructor having been introduced by his children who signed up as Cadets themselves.
Dave gained the Sovereign’s Commission in 1992.
Away from squadron, Dave is self employed, having interests in several businesses and is a business mentor for Nottingham Business Venture and the Business School at Nottingham University.
His interests include aviation has a private pilots licence), cars, travel and outdoor activities.
Within 2418 Squadron, Dave is responsible for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, teaching several of the academic subjects and first aid. Dave is is part of the Wing Nijmegen road marching training team and until a few years ago was a flying instructor with 644 VGS operating from RAF Syerston, teaching cadets to fly as well as being an ATC squadron commander.
Flt Lt Wheeler is a Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management and has honours degrees in Environmental Sciences and Youth Management and Training.
WO Bates
Martin joined the squadron as a Civilian Instructor in 1992 having no cadet or ATC experience. Martin spent 18 months as a CI before taking
the step into uniformed service in 1993 as a Warrant Officer.
On the squadron, Martin is the probationer training officer. He co-ordinates all probationer training activities and makes sure that the probationers' have a varied and interesting program of activities. Martin has attended every camp since 1993 and also attends at least one other Wing camp every year.
Martin is a qualified weapons Instructor and Coach and is able to conduct ranges on all weapons in service with the Air Training Corps. He holds the basic Food & Hygiene certificate and has completed the Training Officers Course, Health & Safety Course and Risk assessment course.
Sgt Kitchingman
Steve joined the squadron in August 2006 as a Civilian Instructor having been a civilian committee member for 6 months prior. Like some of the Civilian Instructors at our
squadron Steve had no prior involvement with the squadron or the ATC itself. His interest began after his son joined as a Cadet in 2005. In a short period of time with the squadron
Steve had attended numerous courses, some of which include risk assessment and radio communications.
One of his first achievements was passing his weapons handling course, weapons instructor & weapons coaching course. Steve is in charge of squadron Health & Safety matters.
In February 2009, Steve passed his potential uniform course at RAF Cottesmore and made the move up into adult uniform having been awarded the rank of Sergeant.
Outside the squadron Steve works for a local based training company situated in Derbyshire.
CI Ahmed
Hafeez joined 2418 after a relocation with his work in the middle of 2010.
Previously, Hafeez had served a year as a CI with 2168 (Yeadon) in South and West Yorks Wing and also as a cadet where he reached the rank of Flight Sergeant with 1083 (Uxbridge) in Middlesex Wing from 1999 to 2005.
During his cadet career, Hafeez was awarded two Flying Scholarships, a Navigation Scholarship and Silver Gliding Wings.
Hafeez vastly enjoyed his cadet career and wants to make sure cadets today can take away as many experiences as he did.
Hafeez’s love for flying continues in his work where he is an engineer in the aerospace industry making wing components for passenger and military aircraft.
Within 2418 Squadron, Hafeez is responsible for probationer training. He welcomes new starters to the Squadron making sure they have the foundations for a successful time with the Air Cadet Organisation.
CI Fisher
Mark joined the squadron as a Civilian Instructor in July 2010 as a result of his son joining the cadets in 2009.
Mark will soon be attending the Civilian Instructor course and then hopes to be involved in weapon training and fieldcraft activities.
When Mark was a teenager, he joined 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron for a brief period and has always had an RAF and military interest. He served for 3 years in the Royal Artillery where he was part of a gun detachment in Germany.
Mark feels the ATC is a great organisation for young people to develop their skills and interests whilst gaining qualifications such as the DofE and BTEC.
Outside the squadron, Mark works for a Nottingham pharmaceutical printing company as a printing assistant. In his spare time, mark enjoys football, walking and cycling.
CI Kitchingman
Tom became a Civilian Instructor on the 18th January 2011 when he turned 20 having spent 6 years a Cadet at 2418 Squadron.
In those 6 years his main achievements were that he achieved the rank of SGT, gained a place on a gliding scholarship where he got his gold wings and achieved various shooting qualifications including being a safety supervisor and being able to instruct qcWHT on both NO.8 rifle and the L98 A2.
As a Civilan Instructor, Tom is responsible for the Sports, Media and BARDER roles at the squadron
During his spare time, Tom plays badminton every week at his local leisure centre and likes socialising with his friends.
He works full time as a barman/waiter at The Travellers Rest.
CI Saunders
Gary joined the squadron in November 2010 as a Civilian Instructor. Gary was previously a Cadet with 2418 Squadron in 1977.
He is currently teaching the Aircraft Handling course and getting involved wherever he can. Gary hopes to attend the Civilian Instructor course later in 2011 and hopes to progress on to the pre-uniform course. Gary is aspiring to make to move in to uniform in the future.
Outside of the Air Training Corps, Gary is training to be a glider pilot at the Husbands Bosworth gliding club and works for a corporate finance company in Birmingham.
He is married with one daughter.
