Inspiration Day at RAF Valley

A group of Year 9 students from Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi spent an awe-inspiring day at RAF Valley on Wednesday 12th October as part of our Blue Skies Level 1 programme. Last year’s Blue Skies Level 1 students won the Daily Post Class of the Year award, so the Year 9s were excited about participating in the programme, which focuses on teamwork.

The students met the Station Commander Brian Braid, where he answered many insightful questions. Following this, presentations by the RAF Police and Serco Fire Section demonstrated the importance of teamwork.

In the afternoon, the students visited the RAF’s Fast Jet Training Squadron where they had a chance to dress up as a pilot. They soon appreciated how heavy the kit was, once they were wearing the helmet, G-pants and the jacket with a built-in life jacket and First Aid kit. Chloe, 13, said: “Today I have learnt that the pilots have to weigh themselves before they can fly. I feel glad to have been chosen for the JET team.”

Highlights of the day were having the opportunity to sit in one of the Hawk T2 jets and fly the Hawk simulator, something very few people have the opportunity to experience. The students loved flying over the virtual Isle of Anglesey and doing some low-level flying through Snowdonia.

Visiting so many different sections at RAF Valley gave the students a real insight into how the RAF work as a team. Many of the students were inspired by the local people who work at the base, either for the RAF or for the private companies, such as Ascent, Babcock and Serco. The main objective of the day was to inspire the students and this was certainly achieved.