CADET’S ROYAL ROUND ROBIN

Crowning seven years of loyal service, an Air Cadet from 134 (Bedford) Squadron was recently given the chance of a lifetime.

Cadet Warrant Officer Esther Russell, 19, was treated like royalty when she spent a day with 32 (The Royal) Squadron on board the flight deck of Her Majesty the Queen’s official aircraft.

CWO Russell is coming to the end of her time as a cadet with the Air Training Corps and is hoping to become an adult instructor when she reaches 20. To mark the occasion and celebrate her outstanding contribution to the Squadron it was decided that she would be rewarded with a royal whistle stop tour of the United Kingdom .

Flying from Royal Air Force Northolt, Middlesex, on Wednesday 5th March 2008 , CWO Russell flew from London to Teesside, then to Glasgow, the Isle of Man, London City Airport and Plymouth returning back to Northolt. During the 5 hour flight on board the BAe 146 aircraft CWO Russell was able to experience the cockpit’s 'jump seat' and view first- hand several landings and takeoffs from the pilot's perspective.

ABOVE LEFT: The route of CWO Russell's Flight
ABOVE RIGHT: CWO Russell is treated the VIP way

Taking time out from the flight deck, CWO Russell relaxed in the VIP compartment of the aircraft where she was served by the aircraft's steward Cpl Matt Burnett. When working with the crew at the various airports they visited, CWO Russell observed the refuelling of the aircraft at London City Airport and witnessed the extensive pre-flight checks carried out by the flight engineer.

Following the flight CWO Russell said, "I would like to thank everyone involved for making my time on board the aircraft so fantastic. The flight was amazing, a real once in a lifetime experience. I would recommend to anyone given the chance that they take this opportunity.”

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