Nineteen cadets from the Ōpōtiki College Cadet Unit took to the skies on Sunday for a hand-on experience of flying.

The cadets flew four-seater and two-seater planes from Whakatāne Airport to Matahina and then on to the Ōpōtiki Aerodrome.

Here, they changed pilots and flew back to Whakatāne, doing single plane laps around the town and ending with special aerobatics.

Unit commander Captain Lorraine Lawson-Barrett said the cadets had been involved in theoretical flying lessons for the month prior before heading skywards where they put the theory into practice under experienced instructors from Peter Rutledge Aerohire.

“The instructors landed the planes – the OCCU needed a few more lessons and flight time to do this part,” said Lawson-Barrett

During ground time, the cadets went through the flying simulator, practised drills, carried out their dry firing techniques testing on .22 rifles and physical training.

The cadets were also able to go through the Life Flight aeroplane while the crew were waiting for their patients to arrive.

“The crew were absolutely amazing and took them through a tour and question time – three crew, one a pilot, one a nurse and one a mechanic,” said Lawson-Barrett.

“Our cadets got to see many opportunities of employment as a pilot, nurse, doctor, and air mechanic in their environment and then the road ambulance crew.”

She said it was a “magnificent day” that started with nerves and excitement but ended with plenty of highs – courage, achievements (commitment), camaraderie (friendships and teamwork) and integrity for these youth/future young leaders.