29 SQN ATC

Cadets of Rotorua’s 29 Squadron Air Training Corps gratefully accepted an invitation from Volcanic Air to learn about “everything helicopter” during a visit to their hangar at Rotorua Airport.

Volcanic Air pilots explained everything in the cockpit, showed the process of pre-flight checks, and showed a promotional video showing the company operating in the breath-taking playground that’s the greater Bay of Plenty region.

Cadets were able to sit in a number of aircraft for a good look at the cockpit and ask questions about the controls, flying, and whatever else came to mind.

Volcanic Air were very generous hosts, even taking one of the helicopters outside for a unit photograph.

Click here to see a slide-show of photos taken at the Volcanic Air hangar.

To ensure Cadets have minimum safety standards around water, they are required to swim two lengths of the pool (100 m) in light clothing. This annual test is held at the Aquatic Centre and 29 Squadron invites other Cadet units from the region to join in.

After the test, the Cadets are supervised by Aquatic Centre staff, Officers and parents while enjoying free time in much warmer water.

The weather got in the way on the original date, but Tom, Bill, Dave, and their loyal support crew at the Taupo Gliding Club hosted 29 Squadron’s budding soarers a few weeks later. Tow pilot Rod Milne was kept busy getting everyone into the air.

Nine people saw Taupo from a totally different angle. For six of them, this was their first time in a glider.

It was great to see the full range of emotions from pre-flight nerves to pure adrenalin having just touched down. The one emotion that was the same: they all wanted to come back and do it again.

Another day is planned for later this year.

To see more photos and videos of the day, click here