Hitchin Hitting The Right Note

BY CDT SGT SAMUEL JAMES
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Cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron have recently enjoyed the sweet sound of success resulting from their first-ever concert, ‘An Evening Of Music’, held at the Town Hall, Hitchin. Guests of honour included Squadron President, AVM Alan Merriman and Herts & Bucks WSO, Sqn Ldr Paul Mimpress.

The beginning of the evening, opened with a spectacular performance from the 1066 Corps of Drums playing in the dark with glow-sticks! The audience then enjoyed further performances with Cdt Ben Irwin playing a medley of tunes on the bell-lyre and a solo piano piece. Cdt Holly Somerville also played a beautiful, moving piano solo too. Cdt Charlotte Hunt followed with a delightful flute piece. Next, it was the brass and woodwind section’s time to shine. Composed of Flt Sgt Christopher Moore, Cpl Michael Page, Cdt Gary Pestell and Cdt Charlotte Hunt, the four performed another wonderful piece of music to the lucky spectators.

Following the interval, guests then enjoyed a fanfare piece from the brass and woodwind section followed by guitar and vocal solo performances from Sgts Samuel James and Lewis Stockwell. To round the evening off on a high note, the Marching Band of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron played their current running order of tunes to the audience.

The squadron was fortunate enough to receive some wonderful gifts for the raffle that evening, donated from various local companies, friends and families of the squadron. Particular mention goes to the squadron’s civilian committee for their support during the evening, members of the Priory School, Hitchin who helped with the PA system and lighting and parents who assisted setting up the hall before the performance. The last mention to go to Sergeant Lewis Stockwell, who organised the event itself and the success of the concert is evidence of his and his fellow cadets’ hard work and dedication. The squadron raised approximately £1000 from the evening.

Flying High Indeed...

BY CDT CPL EMILIE PEARSON
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On 8^th of August 2007 Cpl Emilie Pearson of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron went solo in a Cessna 152 on her ACPS Light Aircraft Course at Tayside Aviation in Dundee.

‘When I found out I’d been awarded a light aircraft scholarship, I could not believe it. I was both excited and nervous. On the 30^th of July I travelled up to Dundee ready to start the course the following day. On arrival at the hotel I met two other people who were on my course as well as those cadets that had started their course the previous week. From what they said, we were in for two tough yet exciting weeks.

The following day a welcome brief was delivered and we were told that unfortunately, due to a hectic flying programme caused by a visit from the Central Flying School we would not be able to start flying that day. However, we were shown how to do a ‘walk around’ the aircraft, a check that must be done by the pilot before each sortie to ensure the aircraft is serviceable and ready for flight.

Luckily the next day the flying programme was less busy and I was introduced to my instructor and the first lesson consisted of learning the effects of the controls. At first the Cessna seemed quite difficult to fly compared to the Grob Vigilant I had flown during my Gliding Scholarship, mainly due to the fact that the control column in a Cessna is like a little steering wheel instead of a joystick, but as time progressed I got used to it.

During the first week of the course, most of the sorties were spent learning the basics, e.g. climbing, descending, turning, etc. but towards the end of the week, we moved onto circuits. To start with, flying a circuit seemed impossible. Remembering all the checks, radio calls, noise abatements turns, etc, whilst trying to fly the aircraft safely seemed like an unachievable goal. After another couple of sorties in the circuit it got easier and soon I was flying the whole circuit by myself. I was close to going solo but there was one thing I had to do before I could do this - pass my first solo exam. I passed the exam and the following day had the opportunity to ‘go solo’.

Before going solo my instructor and I set off to fly in the circuit to do some ‘pre solo checks’. This basically meant I had to prove I could fly a complete circuit with no help and also that I could deal with any emergencies that could occur during flight. After flying three circuits by myself and being tested on emergencies, my instructor said I was ready to do my first solo. I taxied to the apron to drop him off so he could go into the Air Traffic Control tower. I was then left by myself to do a first solo circuit. I thought before that I would have been nervous about doing a solo circuit but when I actually did it, I was not nervous at all.

When you are left by yourself you obviously have to do everything in the aircraft and so you do not really have time to think about being nervous or worried. Apart from the circuit being quite busy, meaning I was held at the holding point to the runway for a while, no problems occurred during my flight and I landed safely and taxied back to the flying club with a big smile on my face.

The course was fantastic and I would love the chance to do it again. I now have twelve hours towards a PPL, something that I am very proud of. The course is a great experience and definitely the best thing I have ever and probably will ever do in the ATC.’

Hawk Flight For Top Cadet

BY CDT FS CHRISTOPHER MOORE
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As a reward for being awarded ‘Best Squadron NCO’ for 2006, Flt Sgt Christopher Moore (17) of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron recently got the opportunity of a flight in a hawk aircraft.

‘On Tuesday 21^st August I travelled to Boscombe Down. Several hours were spent being shown my kit and the pilot took me down to the aircraft and explained what I would be during the flight the following day. The equipment included a flying suit, flying jacket, helmet with oxygen mask and G-trousers.

These trousers were particularly interesting as during the flight they inflate when the aircraft pulls ‘G’ to move the blood from your legs to your head to prevent you passing out. The only trouble was trying to find some to fit me!

A quick medical on the morning of the flight included a hearing and eyesight test. Afterwards, I was taken over to the building where I put on my equipment. It was then time for a briefing by my pilot who explained full details of the sortie.

Following that we walked out to the aircraft, strapped in and took off! The flight lasted just over one hour during which we flew a pre-planned route and carried out a mock bombing run on a building at a very low level. After this the aircraft climbed and I then had the opportunity to help fly the aircraft.

Flying in a Hawk aircraft was very different to any other flying experiences I have had. Mainly this was because of the aircraft’s speed, its complexities and the fact that the seating is tandem style which meant I had to do a lot more for myself.

It was really interesting to get a close look at this complex aircraft and the flight was a fantastic experience. My thanks go to my pilot and all the staff at Boscombe Down for their assistance during my two day stay. Also, to Flt Lt Tony Cunningham of 2F (Watford) Sqn and fellow cadet Cdt Sgt Lewis Stockwell for accompanying me and to my Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey for securing the flight for me'.