The day’s itinerary

Morning – the TriStar KC1 in close-up

• Group greeted by Squadron Leader Shirley L Carvell.
• Screening of introductory film about RAF Brize Norton and its role as the nerve centre of the RAF’s air transport and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.
• Visit to 216 Squadron. Sergeant Camm led the way to a TriStar KC1 on the airfield. The visitors had a guided tour of the aircraft that had originally started life as a British Airways passenger plane before being converted for RAF transport and inflight refuelling.
• Question time - Sergeant Camm proved to be a mine of information.
• Chief Technician Stopka explained the array of cockpit controls.
• In addition to TriStar aircraft, the VC10s of 101 Squadron and the C-17s of 99 Squadron are also based at Brize Norton.

“Flying is only one career possibility in the RAF. There are plenty of ground force jobs available. There are actually 500 people currently working at Brize Norton.” Squadron Leader Shirley Carvell

Mid-morning - survival

• Altitude group meets Flight Sergeant Eddie Edwards of the survival equipment section.
• Group boards survival raft and tries out a range of survival equipment, including life jackets and safety helmets with oxygen masks and communication systems.
• Dual function survival equipment tried out, including water packed in foil, glucose sweets in tins that convert into cooking pots, candles made from edible animal fats.

“Life becomes very basic in a survival situation, but the will to live is very, very strong.” Flight Sergeant Eddie Edwards

Lunch

• Lunch taken in the Airmen’s Mess.
• Choice of at least five hot meals, plus sandwich and salad options.
• A chance to discuss aspects of RAF life in relaxed surroundings.

“In many jobs you can work and work and work and get nothing back. With the RAF, you do get something back.” Squadron Leader Shirley Carvell

“Whatever sport you want to play, you can play it in the RAF.” Squadron Leader Shirley Carvell

Early afternoon – parachute training

• Sergeant Dean Aven (‘Deano’) welcomed the group to the No. 1 Parachute Training School.
• Screening of The RAF Falcons, the No. 1 Parachute Training School to introduce the group to the different aspects of training carried out at the school.
• Historical background on introduction of the parachute to the military in World War ll for getting troops to the frontline quickly and efficiently.
• Description of the four phases of a parachute jump – aircraft phase, exit phase (getting out), flight phase and landing phase.
• Demonstration of type of loads a parachute might carry, including supplies and computer.
• Simulated 80 foot parachute jump. The only way was up – then down!

“I just thought, the only way down is to jump, so let’s do it.” Cameron Sharkey, Altitude member

“It was good – that feeling of adrenalin when I jumped off the tower.” Tom Adams, Altitude member

Mid Afternoon – the RAF Police Dog Team

• Corporal Ian Short described training programme for German Shepherds used in patrol work.
• Escorted tour round the pound to see the specialist dogs used to search for arms and explosives such as Semtex, TNT, cordite and weapon oil amongst other things.

Goodbyes

• Goodbyes and collection of souvenir goody bag.

“I’d like to be a pilot, but if I can’t, I’d go into engineering. In a few months I’ll probably go to the careers office and see what they think is best and probably try to get sponsorship for further education.” Tom Adams, Altitude member

“I think it’s been a brilliant day. I liked the tower. Jumping off an 80 foot drop was good!” Matt Grainger, Altitude member