Air Force Cadets biplane flight experience

As a successful training year draws to a close, Air Force Cadets from Adelaide’s southern squadrons recently enjoyed the opportunity of a Pilot Experience Flight (PEX) from Aldinga airfield (YADG).

CAPTION: Air Force Cadets from Adelaide’s southern squadrons enjoyed a Pilot Experience flight in a classic Waco biplane. Image by FLTLT(AAFC) Ian Harlow, 906 Aviation Training Squadron.

Not only was this a rare chance to fly over South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, and capture views of the stunning coastline and rolling vine-covered hills of the famed McLaren Vale wine region – but some had the luck to do this in a classic biplane.

The cadets flew in standard trainers such as the Cessna Skyhawk C172-N, as well as a classic Waco biplane, made available by Adelaide Biplanes at Aldinga.

According to the Adelaide Biplanes website: “The Waco biplane (pronounced wah ko) is a modern day reincarnation of a classic 1935 design of sports biplane, unique in its ability to carry two passengers in its capacious front cockpit”.

This particular aircraft was built in the US in 1992, one of the ‘new build’ Classic Wacos that are still being built today to the original type certificate.

As an air-minded youth organisation, the AAFC has the mission of developing young Australians in a military and aviation environment.

Aviation Operations Wing offers Pilot Experience Flights in powered aircraft (under the supervision of a qualified flying instructor) to AAFC cadets and staff at no cost.

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, Public Affairs & Communication Officer for Aviation Operations Wing, said “From these Pilot Experience flights, cadets can progress to formal flying training courses which are offered by the AAFC, where cadets as young as 15 years – the minimum legal age for powered flight – can learn to fly an aircraft solo”.

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