TONIGHT at 7pm young people aged between 12 and 16 will have the opportunity to see what it is like to be an air force cadet at Swan Hill’s No.411 Squadron at the unit’s information and come-and-try night for its mid-year intake.
The cadets are sponsored by the Royal Australian Air Force, giving squadron members the chance to visit defence bases in Victoria.
Being a part of the RAAF, the squadron members also undertake powered and unpowered flight experiences.
It is not only a great opportunity to make new friends but also to learn a few new skills in leadership, bushcraft, aviation and drones as well as a great way to gain some personal development.
There are more than 9000 Air Force Cadets in Australia, forming 144 squadrons. The Swan Hill contingent of 19 cadets travels in from across the district and as a far afield as Balranald and Kerang.
It is a low-cost activity with all uniforms supplied by the RAAF.
Cadets play a prominent part in Anzac Day and other commemorative ceremonies around the district
Squadron commander Flight Lieutenant Regina Knight said the aircraft the cadets used were the Diamond DA-40, which is a comfortable, low-wing four-seater aircraft.
“I have aircraft coming here again in November, although we do take the kids to Point Cook and Laverton to go flying. We have just started bringing the aircraft up to the Swan Hill airfield as well,” she said.
“We also have a drone program, where we are teaching kids how to build a drone, how to operate a drone and all the legalities surrounding that.
“In the future we are looking at setting up a drone-racing team and there is an opportunity down the track for cadets to gain their remote pilot’s licence.
“We also do survival training, taking them out to the bush and teach them navigation and how to read a map and navigate by land features, not just using a GPS, but actually using a compass.”
Another feature not offered by many youth organisations is firearms safety, with a qualified range controller teaching the correct use and handling of rifles, leading to the chance to go on to shooting competitions.
The squadron meets at the Messines Barracks, on the corner of Grey and Yana streets, at 6.30pm each Friday during school terms.
Applications from new cadets are open until the end of this month. Additional information is available from Flt-Lt Knight on 0408 300 522.
