361 (Gateshead) Squadron Blog

March 2012 Training Programme

2012-02-25T14:30:00.000Z

Click here to go to the 361 Squadron "What's On" page to download the latest training programme.

Flying High

2012-02-25T14:28:00.000Z

On the 15th January, Cadets Fox, Rutland and Graham from 361 squadron made their first flights in Grob Tutors at RAF Leeming. All three cadets enjoyed their flights and were able to take control of the aircraft in the air over North Yorkshire.

More flying to come on the 21st March.

National Navigation Award Scheme

2012-02-06T18:07:00.001Z

Following a period of training and a practical assessment at Chopwell Woods, Corporal Ainsley and Cadets Dixon, Fox, Gordon, Hogg, Purdy and Rear all qualified for NNAS Bronze certificates which were presented to them on the 2nd February.

They now have no excuse to "get lost" when out on an expedition!

First Time Flyers

2012-02-02T15:50:00.001Z

Yesterday, on a very cold but clear day, Cadets Adam McIntyre, Ryan Swailes and Ethan Stevenson went flying in Tutor aircraft of 11 Air Experience Flight at RAF Leeming.

For all 3 cadets this was their first flight in Tutors and they have therefore qualified for their "First Flight Certificates".

We have more flying to come this month on the 15th February.

February 2012 Training Programme

2012-01-30T15:12:00.000Z

Click here to go to the 361 Squadron "What's On" page to download the latest training programme.

Flying High

2012-01-17T11:50:00.000Z

On the 11th January, Cadets Hogg, Rayner and Snaith were the latest to complete Air Experience Flights at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. During their flights they were given the opportunity to take control of the aircraft and perform some aerobatics.

More cadets will be going flying on the 1st and 15th of February.

Heartstart Success - Staying Alive

2012-01-17T11:42:00.001Z

Ten cadets from the squadron were the latest to qualify for their Heartstart certificates as a result of a course run by Sgt Laws.

This course covers CPR skills and gives cadets the knowledge and skills to perform recucitation on a casualty. It is squadron policy for all cadets to qualify for Heartstart and the successful candidates on this course were Cadets Jon Fox, Ryan Swails, David Gordon, Liam Hewitson, Alice McGregor, Jeni Blatchford, Ethan Stevenson, Josh Dover, Matthew Rutland and Robbie Graham all of whom were presented with their certificates.

November / December 2011 Update

2012-01-01T19:50:00.005Z

On the 17th November we had a recreation evening at NAMCO Funscape at the Metrocentre in Gateshead. Uniform for the night was fancy dress and our cadets really pushed the boat out with their creativity and effort with costumes ranging from a banana and a sumo wrestler through to the Mario Brothers (or as they were female cadets, should it be Mario Sisters?), the Men in Black and James Bond (with a wide variety of characters in between!)

At the end of November, 3 cadets went Air Experience Flying in Tutor aircaft at RAF Leeming. They had an opportunity to fly the aircraft (and for those who like being turned upside down, some aerobatics).

Grob Tutor

December was also a busy month for the squadron starting on the 3rd with with 3 cadets gliding with 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at RAF Topcliffe. They completed Gliding Induction Courses in Vigilant motor gliders which included taking control of the aircraft and learning how to fly the aircraft in the air.

Vigilent Motor Glider

On the 8th December we were again due to go flying at RAF Leeming, however the winter weather conspired against us and high winds resulted in flying being cancelled. (We have another allocation on the 11th January so hopefully our cadets will get into the air again on that day.)

On two occasions in December our cadets went climbing at the indoor climbing centre in Simonside, South Shields and at the Sunderland Wall.

Cadets are working towards a NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) certificate which will help them achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Remembrance Sunday

2011-11-19T18:44:00.000Z

On Sunday, 13th November 2011 the annual Remembrance Service and Parade was held at The Cenotaph in Gateshead.

Around 30 Cadets and staff from 361 (Gateshead) squadron took part in the parade and it was also the first public appearance of the squadron band who provided a Corps of Drums for the March Past where the salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear.

Welcome

2011-11-14T11:57:00.000Z

Welcome to the new 361 (Gateshead) Squadron biog.

We intend to keep you up to date on recent and future events and what's happening at the squadron so keep watching this space...