Connaught Trust Grant Takes Flight for RAF Air Cadets!
The Connaught Trust is a grant making charity that provides funds for the Reserve and Cadet Forces across Southern England. As a result of surplus funds, units were encouraged to apply for the substantial funds which were made available under a scheme know as Project Bazooka.
Project Bazooka enabled the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing RAF Air Training Corps (ATC) to apply for a grant of up to £100,000 in order to enhance the training experience of unit members, including both core training opportunities and outward pursuits. ATC applied for the grant to enable the realisation of two Aerospace centres to increase the Aviation training offering of the counties RAF Air Cadets. The trustees of The Connaught Trust awarded Hampshire & IOW ATC the full grant.
Using virtual reality elements alongside traditional simulators, the centres will rival other RAF Air Cadet centres in the country, delivering engaging, immersive and relevant training to over 1000 RAF Air Cadets per year across Hampshire & IOW. Additionally, there will be provision for the centres to link up and expand the training opportunities available.
The number one attraction of the RAF Air Cadets to young people joining is often the opportunity to fly and develop their aviation knowledge. With the availability of real-life flights reducing, due various factors such as fuel and maintenance, the RAF Air Cadets initiative of utilising emerging technologies available, Hampshire & IOW Wing will be able to increase and bolster the aviation offering.
Alongside RAF Air Cadet training, the volunteer staff have also had the opportunity to upskill to train the Cadets in various aspects including flight operations and air traffic control.
Expected to launch later in the year, Hampshire & IOW Wing ATC are excited for the opening of these centres and the enhancement of the RAF Air Cadet experience.
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