THE local squadron of the Air Training Corps were given a lesson in aviation history when recently visiting the Warbirds collection at Ardmore Airfield.
Assistant training officer Rob Owens says it’s important for the squadron to appreciate aviation history.
“It’s part of the aviation experience, because there are aeroplanes other than jet planes out there.”
The cadets enjoyed seeing the Cessna Birddog, which has patches covering bullet holes from the Vietnam War.
Squadron members, who get hands-on flying experience, are boys and girls aged 13 to 18. Mr Owen says the group is not just about learning to fly. “The aim is learning self discipline, leadership and self respect,” says Mr Owen.
They get practical and theoretical training in bush craft, firearms safety, navigation and first aid, which gains them NZQA credits.The group meets each Tuesday for theory and activities.
They also partake in leadership courses that Mr Owen says are beneficial.
“What they learn on the courses, they should be able to take home and make themselves better students and better members of the community.”
