Get your head in the clouds!
Flight Sergeant Alex Elliott:
The Air Cadet Pilot Scheme is, without a doubt, one of the best things I have ever been lucky enough to be part of. You learn how to fly and meet some great people whilst you do it! In just under two weeks at Tayside Aviation in Dundee, and 10 hours and 10 minutes flying, I was lucky enough to go on my first solo flight. I will remember the moment my instructor looked at me and said “solo?” forever! Then he got out and left me to it. I was the pilot in command! They say you never forget your first solo flight, and I can understand why. It is a truly exciting experience to know that you are in control of, and responsible for, an aircraft entirely on your own.
It’s hard to believe how much you can learn in two weeks. At the beginning I couldn’t tell you much about the Grob 115D2, but now I know the specifications, which instruments are electric and which ones are powered by vacuum gyros, basic radio procedures, principles of air law, emergency procedures and so much more.
To many aspiring pilots, like myself, this is the first step. I would recommend ACPS to anyone!
Flt Sgt Keiran Dennington:
Simply put, it was the best two weeks I think I have ever experienced.
Flying did not come to me terribly naturally, thus it was through determination to go solo and shear hard work rather than prowess in the air or natural talent that got me to solo standard, but fulfilling a dream I have had since I was a small child to learn to fly was unparalleled.
The other cadet pilots on the course were absolutely terrific people, all of whom were quite happy to assist you whenever you had a query or an issue relating to the flying training.
When I was at the end of the runway having been permission to take off in an aircraft on my own, I had to do a reality check to make sure that it was really happening!
To all those who will attend an ACPS in the future, I am incredibly jealous that you'll have the privilege of attending the course. It is really is the pinnacle of what the ATC offers.
