On Saturday 12th September, 28 cadets from Gold Coast Squadron of the Australian Air League attended a Powered Trial Instruction Flight (TIF) atAir Gold Coast’s training facilities at Gold Coast Airport.

The cadets were organised into two groups with the first group attending a 0800 compulsory pre flight briefing, the second group’s pre flight briefing was scheduled for 1245.

Flying commenced in cool, calm conditions with just some light cloud evident which gave perfect visibility for viewing the surrounding coastline and hinterland areas. Visibility was excellent and the cadets reported sighting whales off the coast.

The day’s events ran very smoothly and on time with every cadet enjoying a 30 minute flight in one of the three aircraft used during the day, two Cessna 152s and a Cessna 172. While waiting for their TIF, cadets were also able to utilise the training school’s flight training simulator under the guidance of the Chief Flying Instructor. Fortunately, our young aviators saved their mishaps for the simulator and performed much better in the air!

 A BBQ luncheon supplied by Air Gold Coast was arranged for the middle of the day so that both the morning and afternoon groups could interact, giving attendees from the morning session the opportunity to talk about their flying experiences.   Thanks go to Steve Larsen, Reece Larsen, David Stubbs and Narelle Savell for feeding the hungry cadets. 

The intention of the day was to provide cadets with the opportunity to become airborne and experience an exciting aviation activity. It was also to add value to the aviation theory they learn in the education programs conducted on parade night.

From the smiles on the cadet’s faces upon their return to ground level and the excited comments from every cadet, indications are that the day was a big success.

It was very pleasing to receive complimentary reports from pilots and staff of the Air Gold Coast Training school about the courtesy and discipline displayed by the cadets over the day. Thank you to all the cadets for your excellent behaviour!