By Pilot Officer (AAFC) Michelle Scott

Imagine sitting in the cockpit of a light aircraft with your hands on the controls and flying over the Burdekin district for free. 

This is exactly what 20 cadets from 109 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets, Burdekin experienced when they recently participated in a trial instructional flight at the Ayr Aerodrome.

The cadets enjoyed a 30 minute one-on-one flight and received expert instruction with the opportunity to operate the flight controls.

“It was excellent. Especially taking off and landing, and getting control of the plane yourself,” Cadet Shaun Dennis said. 

“The hands-on was a great experience,” said Cadet Lyle Burtenshaw.

The flights were funded through the Cadet Policy Branch’s Cadet Initiated Activities program.

“The cadets thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it was an excellent opportunity for them to endorse what they had learnt about aviation in theory lessons,” Commanding Officer 109 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Bruce Medley said.

“The sky above Burdekin was their classroom for the day.”