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𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 🛩️⛰️

Cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron recently took part in the Cheviots Aircraft Project, an initiative focused on exploring the crash sites of military aircraft in the Northumberland National Park—particularly in the Cheviot Hills.

As part of the activity, cadets hiked to two crash sites, located in remote terrain near the Scottish border. The aircraft crashed during WWII on a training mission, and the site still contains visible wreckage.

Throughout the day, cadets:

✅ Navigated across open moorland using maps and compasses
✅ Learned about the history of the aircraft, its crew, and the events leading to the crash
✅ Discussed how geography and weather contributed to wartime accidents in the region
✅ Reflected on the human stories behind the wrecks, paying their respects at the site

This was a challenging hillwalk, combining physical activity with historical learning and remembrance. The experience offered a unique insight into our region’s wartime aviation heritage and gave cadets the chance to develop navigation, teamwork, and fieldcraft skills in a meaningful context.

Thank you to all staff involved in supporting the activity—it was a valuable and memorable day for everyone involved.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 🎯

This week marked an exciting first for 1409 (Consett) Squadron as two cadets took part in air rifle shooting for the very first time—right here on squadron grounds using our brand-new BSA Scorpion rifles! 💥

Under the expert supervision of Warrant Officer Farrimond, acting as the Range Conducting Officer (RCO), cadets were introduced to the principles of safe weapon handling, marksmanship techniques, and range discipline.

Key skills developed included:

✅ Correct shooting position and stance
✅ Breathing and trigger control
✅ Safety drills and range protocols
✅ Confidence and concentration under pressure

This was the first live firing session since receiving our new rifles—and a fantastic step forward in expanding opportunities for our cadets.

Well done to both cadets for embracing the challenge and showing great potential in this new discipline. We look forward to many more sessions and progressing towards marksmanship qualifications! 🏅

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ✈️🎟️

Last weekend, we enjoyed an unforgettable aviation experience—visiting the RAF Museum Cosford on Saturday, followed by a full day at the Cosford Air Show on Sunday! 🔥🛩️

An event organized by 1409 Squadron, with cadets also attending from 1509 Squadron – Blaydon Air Cadets and 224 (Hexham) Air Cadets.

At the museum, cadets explored a wide range of iconic RAF aircraft, learning about the history of flight, aviation technology, and the role of the Royal Air Force through the decades. From Cold War jets to WWII classics, the visit brought the classroom to life. 📚✈️

The excitement continued at the Cosford Air Show, where cadets witnessed thrilling flying displays, including:

✅ RAF Red Arrows aerobatics
✅ Historic aircraft flypasts
✅ Fast jets, helicopters, and formation flying
✅ Ground displays and STEM exhibits

A lucky Sgt Rose also had the chance to meet Commandant Air Cadets himself!

The weekend offered cadets an inspiring insight into the world of aviation and the RAF, while also building friendships, confidence, and a shared sense of adventure.

A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers who made the trip possible—this is what cadet life is all about! 👏💙

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 🥈⛰️

A huge congratulations to Sergeant Anya Pearce on achieving her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award—a fantastic milestone that reflects dedication, resilience, and leadership both in and out of uniform! 👏🎒

To earn this award, Sgt Pearce completed:

✅ Volunteering – Giving back to the community and making a difference
✅ Physical – Committing to a personal fitness challenge
✅ Skills – Developing and refining a chosen skill over time
✅ Expedition – Tackling a challenging multi-day hike with her team, demonstrating teamwork and self-reliance in the great outdoors

This achievement highlights the core values we encourage in all our cadets—commitment, service, and adventure. Sgt Pearce has set a brilliant example for others working towards their Bronze, Silver, or even Gold Awards! 🌟

The award was presented by Wg Cdr Blackie, at the culmination of our Annual Formal Inspection.

Well done Sergeant—a fantastic achievement!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 🎖️

Recently, 1409 (Consett) Squadron proudly hosted our Annual Formal Inspection—a key event in the RAFAC calendar, allowing Durham/Northumberland Wing representatives an opportunity to formally review the progress, and standards of dress, drill and discipline of the Squadron .

The Squadron was reviewed by Wing Commander Blackie and formally inspected by Flight Sergeant Waite, who spent time speaking with cadets, observing training, and gaining insight into squadron life.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, praising our cadets for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and presentation. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished—and to look ahead to even more success.

We are delighted to announce, that 1409 once again received a 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗗 for our efforts, the highest mark achievable!

Well done to every cadet and staff member involved. You did the Squadron proud! 👏💙

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑-𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒 🏃‍♂️🥇

Well done to the five cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron who proudly represented us at the Inter-Squadron Athletics competition held at Monkton Stadium on 31st May!

Competing against squadrons from across Durham/Northumberland Wing, our cadets showcased determination, teamwork, and the RAFAC spirit throughout a full day of track and field events.

A special congratulations to Cadet Gibson, who secured a silver medal in discus, demonstrating fantastic technique and commitment in a highly competitive field! 🥈💪

Events like these provide cadets with an opportunity to challenge themselves physically while building confidence, great effort by all involved—you’ve done the squadron proud!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅! 🏃‍♀️⚽💥

In the lead-up to the Inter-Squadron Athletics, cadets at 1409 (Consett) Squadron have been putting in the work—preparing with brand-new athletics equipment including javelins, shot puts, and discuses! 🎯💪

This new kit has allowed cadets to:

✅ Practice field events with regulation-standard equipment
✅ Build proper technique and confidence through hands-on training
✅ Learn key athletic skills such as balance, power, and precision
✅ Train safely and effectively ahead of competitions

Alongside their athletics prep, cadets have also been enjoying football sessions—building teamwork, improving fitness, and having fun while developing coordination and agility on the pitch. ⚽👏

Thanks to this investment in our cadets’ development, they were better equipped—physically and mentally—for this year’s athletics meet at Monkton Stadium. The dedication they’ve shown in training truly paid off!

Here’s to more personal bests, goals, and podium finishes in future events! 🏆🔥

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐒 ✈️

Congratulations to four of our cadets who have successfully completed their Blue Wings Ground Training following their first air experience flights at RAF Leeming!

This milestone marks the beginning of their aviation journey within the RAF Air Cadets, combining theory with the incredible opportunity to experience flight in a powered aircraft.

As part of their Blue Wings qualification, cadets completed ground school training covering:

✅ Principles of Flight – Understanding how aircraft fly and the forces involved
✅ Aircraft Familiarisation – Learning about aircraft controls, instrumentation, and safety procedures
✅ Pre-Flight Briefings – Gaining knowledge on what to expect during flight and how to prepare
✅ Post-Flight Reflection – Reviewing their flying experience to reinforce key learning points

Their flights gave them first-hand experience of airborne manoeuvres, handling controls, and observing real-time navigation—all under the supervision of RAF-qualified pilots.

Well done to all cadets involved—this is just the first step towards further aviation training, including Bronze and Silver Wings opportunities in the future!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃 🌲

This weekend, cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron attended a Blue Fieldcraft Training Weekend hosted by 324 (South Shields) Squadron, accompanied and supported by Sgt Burgess from our own staff team.

The training introduced cadets to the fundamentals of operating in a field environment, building key skills in self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Fieldcraft is a core part of the RAF Air Cadets syllabus, helping cadets develop confidence and resilience in practical, outdoor settings.

Over the course of the weekend, cadets learned:

✅ Camouflage & Concealment Techniques – How to stay hidden and move undetected
✅ Basic Field Signals – Communicating silently in tactical environments
✅ Patrolling Skills – Moving safely and effectively as a team
✅ Setting Up a Harbour Area – Creating a secure area to operate from in the field
✅ Personal Admin in the Field – Maintaining kit, hygiene, and discipline outdoors

A massive well done to all the cadets for embracing the challenges of the weekend and to Sgt Burgess for providing leadership and support throughout. We look forward to seeing these cadets progress to the next level of fieldcraft training!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP