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British Airways pilots train cadets during tour of Heathrow centre

Eight Royal Air Force Air Cadets enjoyed personal flying time in a full-motion simulator during a tour around British Airways Heathrow Training and Engineering Centres.  


Each of the cadets were trained by British Airways pilots during their session at the controls of a Boeing 777.  
 
That was one highlight of a behind the scenes tour, which included sliding down an inflatable emergency slide, sitting in the cockpits of a Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner under maintenance and speaking to pilots, engineers and industry professionals. 

BA pilots Ruth Smith and Clifford Agius were among staff who showed the cadets around the facilities.  

Captain Smith is a former air cadet herself, having started out at Lymm (2137) Sqn. 

British Airways Captain Ruth Smith and CCF Flight Sergeant Conor in one of the simulators



Sqn Ldr Tom Hunt, 2 Flying Training School, said: “The visit further strengthens the partnership between British Airways and the National Air & Space Camp, which continues to inspire cadets and provide unique insight into the range of careers in the industry.” 
 
The cadets, from around the UK, were chosen after visiting the British Airways stand at the National Air and Space Camp at RAF Syerston in 2022. 

CCF FS Conor, from Calday Grange, said he enjoyed the flight simulator the most. 

“I want to join the RAF as an air traffic controller and so now I have more understanding of what’s going on in the cockpit,” he said. 

Cadets from 1483 (Brentwood) Sqn, Radley College, 47F (Grantham) Sqn, 2433 (Thanet) Sqn, 40 (Maidstone) Sqn, 1374 (East Barnet) Sqn and 1401 (Alfreton & Ripley) Sqn also attended. 

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