St Albans air cadet is flying high after trip in Hawk jet

A GIFTED air cadet from St Albans was selected to be taken on a special flight by the Royal Air Force.

Ewan Calder, 16, a student at Verulam School in St Albans, was selected from 30 local air Cadets who were enjoying an Air Training Corps summer camp at RAF Valley in North Wales after impressing staff with his overall performance.

He was taken up in a Hawk, the same aircraft that is used by the Red Arrows display team, and travelled at speeds of over 500mph.

Ewan was delighted to be given the opportunity to fly with the RAF, which he some day hopes to join, and said: “The flight was amazing. I can’t put into words how thrilling it is to travel at such high speeds in such an incredible aircraft.

“As an air cadet you get lots of great opportunities to experience what life is like doing different jobs in the RAF – but this one was extra special!”

The other air cadets were also given access to the Search and Rescue Squadron based at Valley, and enjoyed various activities including target shooting, observing the air traffic controllers and the work of the fast jet training units which operate the Hawk aircraft.

Speaking of Ewan’s flight, Officer Commanding 220 (St Albans) Squadron ATC, Flight Lieutenant Paul Reardon said: “Ewan is a very enthusiastic cadet and I’m pleased he was selected for this fantastic opportunity – I’m envious myself!

“But this is just one example of the vast array of different experiences and opportunities that are available to young people who join the Air Training Corps. We really are a youth organisation that offers something for everyone.”

220 (St Albans) Squadron ATC recruits new cadets quarterly and its next intake night for those interested in joining takes place on Monday, September 6. For more information call 01727 812101 or email 22@aircadets.org.