For most teenagers taking control of an aircraft themselves is something they can only dream about, but for 9 Cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps this was a recently activity that all cadets at the squadron have the opportunity to experience.

The teenagers at the squadron took to the skies over Shropshire when they visited RAF Cosford on 13 February for the Air Experience Flying activity.

For many of the cadets it was their first time Air Experience Flying in the Grob Tutor, the aircraft they got to fly. Each cadet got a flight which lasted about 30mins, and they got to take control of the aircraft.

During the experience the pilot in charge of the aircraft taxis along the runway, takes off and finds some clear airspace before giving the cadet control of the aircraft. When the cadet hears the words "You have control" they respond with "I have control sir" and then they have control of the aircraft.

For Cadets Holland, Mallon and Reed this was their first time Air Experience Flying and they all enjoyed it so much they can’t wait to experience it again.

2438 Squadrons Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams said "The first time that a Cadet goes up in an Air Experience Flight aircraft is an occasion that will be remembered for the rest of their lives. For many Cadets this maybe the first time they have ever been up in an airplane, but the smiles on the Cadets faces tells the story of how much they have enjoyed the experience. No other youth group can offer teenagers such opportunities such as this as well as all the other activities the Air Training Corps has to offer."