Air cadets from Exeter’s 13 (City of Exeter) Squadron Air Training Corps have had a close up experience with an RAF Tornado at Exeter International Airport. On their two hour visit today (13 August 2008), the cadets aged between 13 and 18 from the squadron based at Wyvern Barracks in Exeter were able to see a Tornado aircraft that was used in action in the Middle East and Kosovo.
Twenty air cadets from Exeter, who are affiliated to the RAF number 13 Squadron based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, were given a guided tour around the Tornado GR4 by the pilots of the aircraft who took time to fully describe the workings of one of the RAF’s main reconnaissance and strike aircraft.
Flying Officer Chris Power from Exeter’s Air Training Corps said; “We are very fortunate to be affiliated to one of the RAF’s frontline Squadrons. Exeter has had links with RAF 13 Squadron since we reformed the Air Training Corps in 1996 but due to distance from Devon to Norfolk, we have only managed two visits to RAF Marham. When the RAF offered to bring a jet to us on a training exercise; we jumped at the chance.
Stephen Ayres, Communications manager for Exeter Airport said; “It was a pleasure to host the visit of the aircraft and air cadets. The young people of the organisation obviously have a great interest in aviation and it was a wonderful the chance for them to see the aircraft close up. We are keen to work with the local community and on this occasion we have waived the landing fees, provided the parking area for the aircraft and arranged transport out to the aircraft during its short stay.
