Barnsley Squadron's Hovercraft
The cadets of Barnsley Squadron have a fantastic activity they take part in in the form of their own two-person hovercraft that was built and is maintained by the cadets of the Squadron. Chances are you may have even seen the hovercraft at one of the many galas we attend.
Built as a squadron project over 10 years ago the hovercraft provides the cadets to put into practice the knowledge they have gained from such subjects as propulsion and principles of flight. These allow the cadets to further understand the lessons taught in the classroom.
When you join the Squadron as a cadet you will be given the opportunity to go out and fly the hovercraft at every opportunity. However you will first be given full in-depth training to ensure that when out handling and flying the hovercraft you are safe at all times. The first time you fly in the Hovercraft you will sit in the back and be shown how to use your body weight to control the craft more effectively.
After several flights you will be given the chance to move to the front seat with an instructor sat behind. At this point you will have full control of how and where the hovercraft is flying (albeit with instructor support in the back). The aim of this stage of training is to get you to the stage where you can handle safely stopping and starting and controling the hovercraft around obstacles.
Once happy that you are confident with flying the hovercraft you may be lucky enough to be given chance to go 'solo'. The first time can be very exciting but you will be supported by the insructors to make sure your first 'solo' is as exciting as your first flight was. By this stage of your training you will be confident in handling the hovercraft and may even be given the opportunity to fly a display at gala's.
Cadet's in the past have even flown the Commandant Air Cadets onto parade at the annual Wing Field Day.
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