Former Air Cadets working at Airbus showed a group of current cadets around the aviation engineering facilities at Filton near Bristol.
During the tour, cadets from Wales and West Region saw the A400 wing assembly plant, wind tunnel, undercarriage test facility, fuel system test facility, structural assemblies fatigue life testing facility, advanced metallurgical test laboratory and advanced 3d printing of metal aircraft components. The tour was organised by 2 Flying Training School (2FTS), whose HQ is at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire.
“I really enjoyed my trip to Filton, Airbus, and am sure the other cadets who attended did too,” said Sgt Cerys Jones of 579 (Llandrindod Wells) Sqn.
“I particularly enjoyed looking at the wind tunnel. It was really cool to see how new features are developed and tested.”
The cadets were accompanied by volunteer Plt Off Mark Lumb, who is the Adjutant of 579 Sqn. He said that the involvement of ex-cadets added an extra amount of ‘reality’ to the day.
“They described their journey to the aviation engineering industry and organised a great tour for us,” said Plt Off Lumb, who had been an Aircraft Technician in the Army and then an engineer in the military aircraft test and development world.
“One was a 4th year apprentice, one an intern who had also interned at Rolls Royce, Derby and the other studied at Swansea Uni prior to joining Airbus.
“The different pathways gave the cadets much to chat about with the hosts.”
The visit was part of 2FTS’ programme to increase aviation and aerospace subject engagement. Aside from organising virtual talks on getting into commercial flying, engineering in the RAF and careers in air traffic control, they have also organised selected cadets to visit Air Accidents Investigation Branch and Hybrid Air Vehicles. Further visits and talks are planned. The cadets are chosen by their regions.
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