Manston Hosts Air Training Corps Anniversary
MANSTON, Kent’s International Airport was delighted to host two days of Air Cadet gliding which returned to the airfield after a twelve-year break.
The weekend event was part of the Air Training Corps’ seventieth anniversary celebrations.
Cadets travelled from squadrons all around the county to take part in the two-day festival of flying. 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron flew from their home at RAF Odiham to take on the task of getting the cadets airborne.
The lucky seventieth cadet to fly on the seventieth anniversary was Cadet Gardiner of 2433 (Ramsgate) Squadron who had the privilege of being flown by Flight Lieutenant Phil Wickwar who flew at Manston as a cadet himself.
Wing Commander Garrod-Bell said “We are most grateful to Manston Airport and TG Aviation for making it possible to bring military flying to our cadets in Kent.
“Their support enabled Odiham-based 618 Squadron to fly over seventy Kent Wing cadets, giving them a better appreciation not only of flying but the role of Manston Airport and careers in civil aviation, along with the bonus of going home to excitedly tell their parents how they flew over their home that day.”
Charles Buchanan, CEO of Manston Airport, said: “We were delighted to host the RAF and the air cadets at the weekend. The youngsters are the next generation of the RAF and Manston was very happy to play its part in encouraging their love of aviation.”