Recent news, events and press releases from the Squadron are listed below. Please refer to the Copyright & Disclaimer notice for all items except press releases.

17 New Recruits join the ranks

17 New cadets joined the Squadron this week following a successful recruitment campaign. Since April interested cadets joined a waiting list which ends with a large recruitment and presentation night.

The next one is due in January. If you are interested in applying for the Air Cadets, contact us now to join the waiting list.

Flying Scholarship

Last week Sergeant Cooper (18) from Ashton Squadron got the chance to fly solo in a powered aircraft aged only 18!

The Cadet from Ashton Squadron Air Training Corps joined other budding pilots from around the country to train hard with the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship Scheme.

Spending a week in Scotland at a private flying school Sergeant Cooper learnt the dynamics of flight and was tested thoroughly on Flight Regulations – the law of flying.

Only after passing all his tests could the instructor allow him to take an aircraft up on his own. The previous days’ high winds did nothing to dampen his spirit.

Sergeant Cooper tells us, “As I taxied onto the runway ready to take off I savoured the moment as I knew I would remember this for the rest of my life for being such an amazing opportunity and experience. I was to scared to be worried!”.

He successfully flew the single engine Cessna 152 around the airport, completing 6 full landings a take offs.

This accolade is added to the list of achievement Sergeant Cooper has; joining his Gliding Scholarship and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Dawson, says, “Sergeant Cooper’s hand work and enthusiasm made him an obvious recommendation for the Flying Scholarship scheme. His excellent de-brief report is evident of that”.

On Parade with the Military Tattoo

10 Cadets from Ashton Squadron joined the performing cast of the Manchester Military Tattoo held this weekend (9 July). Taking part in the finale scene, a mock street party, the cadets also helped out with programe selling and security.

Athletics Win

This weekend Ashton Squadron cadets came away with a bagful of medals from our Athletics Competition. Competing in Track and Field events the cadets scored highly resulting in Bronze Silver and Gold awards.

The Wing Athletics competition is held every year and 21 Squadrons from around East Lancashire attend. High scoring cadets go on to represent the Wing at the Regional Competition that follows.

14 Recruits boost our numbers

14 New cadets joined the ranks this week following a successful recruitment campaign. Since January interested cadets join a waiting list which ends with a large recruitment and presentation night.

The next one is due in August. If you are interested in joining the Air Cadets, contact us now to join the waiting list.

Happy 64th Birthday!

33 Cadets from Ashton Squadron joined colleagues from East Lancashire Wing and East Cheshire South Manchester Wing for the 64th ATC Sunday parade. Like previous years, over 500 cadets paraded through the city centre streets from Crown Square to Manchester Cathedral, then back to the Town Hall.

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