Viking Joy for Sherwood Cadets
4 Cadets from 2418 (Sherwood) Squadron, Air Training Corps, were given a rare opportunity to fly the Viking T1 aircraft at RAF Syerston on Sunday 21st June 2009.
Cadets from 2418 Sqn are use to flying the Vigilant T1 aircraft with Volunteer Gliding School (VGS) 644
Squadron based at RAF Syerston. But on this particular weekend, the South & East Midland Wing 10th Anniversary
activity weekend was taking place and both 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) and 643 VGS were fully
operational. Upon arrival at RAF Syerston, CI Steve Dolan was informed the Cadets were due to fly the Viking
aircraft with 643 VGS. Upon hearing this, Sergeant Daniel Grant (16), Cadet Tyler (15), Cadet Lamb (13) and Cadet Watt
(13) made their way through the unfamiliar territory of the 643 VGS Headquarters to don their flying suits.
Shortly after, the Cadets found themselves next to the airfield awaiting their first winch-launched flight.
Flying commenced at about 1030 and went on until apprixmately 1400. A high cloud base, warm air and a
glorious sunshine made it the perfect weather conditions for gliding. During the flight, the pilot flies
the glider from the rear seat, giving the Cadet in front a wonderful view through the wrap around canopy.
All Cadets had the opportunity to control the aircraft once the pilot had settled the aircraft to a comfortable
height. As most of the Cadets had no previous experience there were no aerobatics this time round, much to
their relief!
After his flight, Cadet Tyler said "As there is no engine on the Viking, there was was no vibration or engine noise. It was really strange." Cadet Watt commented "The skies were so clear that I could see Nottingham".
Article by CI Stephen Dolan, SMCO, 22nd June 2009
