CADETS NAVIGATE WAY TO SUCCESS

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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After many months of hard work, ten cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron have finally completed their bronze National Navigation Award Scheme. Last year Flt Lt Erica Vey and other squadron staff registered themselves to run the award at the unit.

The scheme was launched from the Royal Institute of Navigation in London in 1994 as an incentive for personal performance in navigation. Since then 10,000 awards have been gained country-wide.

All cadets at Hitchin squadron will have the opportunity to complete their bronze and silver awards. The ten cadets who have completed the first set of bronze awards have been trained by CI Dewbery. The cadets have completed ten hours of practical training and passed a practical exam over a 3.5km distance.

The bronze award syllabus covers many areas of assessment including understanding how to use map symbols and scales on a variety of maps, using linear features as handrails in navigation exercises, planning a safe suitable walk, demonstrating knowledge of the Country Code and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

The ten cadets who have achieved the bronze award are Sgt Michael Page (17), Sgt Benjamen Reed (16), Cpl Emilie Pearson (17), Cpl Matthew Woodward (15), Cdt Henry Wisdom (15), Cdt Holly Somerville (14), Cdt Daisy Buck (14), Cdt Oliver Martin (15), Cdt Charlotte Hunt (14) and Cdt Hope Wagstaffe (14).

Cdt Henry Wisdom said: "Before taking part in the National Navigation Award Scheme my navigation skills were very basic but after completing the enjoyable and very informative course I feel competent in all aspects of navigation. It will help me when leading teams at navigation events and competitions plus with my Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions. I hope to start the silver award at the soonest opportunity."

T5 PREVIEW FOR SAM

BY CDT SGT SAMUEL JAMES
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On Tuesday 12th February, one lucky cadet from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron got the chance to preview London Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 before it opens on March 27th 2008. BAA, the owner and operator of Heathrow, have been spending millions of pounds on these ‘T5 proving trials’ to ensure the terminal runs smoothly when it opens in March.

Sgt Samuel James (17) was among 150 other people from all over London and the South East attending the trials. Volunteers were asked to play the role of a British Airways passenger flying out of Terminal 5 that day. Unfortunately, no-one got to actually fly anywhere but were given a tasty packed lunch instead to compensate!

The day started off at the Renaissance Hotel, then after receiving a warm welcome and briefing, volunteers were than transported to the Terminal where the trials began. Sgt James said “I had the profile of a Mr L Newton flying to Lyon, France. I had one piece of ‘luggage’ to check-in, which is where the T5 luggage system gets tested. I then had the opportunity to proceed through security where they have a brand-new high tech x-ray screening machine and automatic tray belt. After passing security, the terminal opens out to a vast glass wall providing amazing views of the airfield. The design and perception of the building is absolute stunning and overwhelming. Everything has a cool, modern feel to it”.

Volunteers were then tested to see how they responded with the fire alarm and how BAA and British Airways staff handled it. Sgt James comments “It was a very busy day and indeed a very hectic commute, getting stuck in two traffic jams from accidents on the M25, but the trip was still worth it, being one of the first to see the UK’s biggest construction projects to date”.

BAA is still currently running the trials on weekdays and Saturdays so if anyone is interested be sure to check out the Terminal 5 website: www.heathrowairport.com/terminal5

Images courtesy of BAA Ltd.