£15m academy set for take-off
A £15m state-of-the-art aviation academy is expected to open at RAF Syerston in 2019.
The joint venture between the RAF Air Cadets and Aviation Skills Partnership will offer qualifications and training in aviation-related subjects from GCSE up to degree level.
Students will work towards jobs including pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers and cabin crew.
RAF air cadets, aged 12-19, will also use the facilities as part of their training.
The first post marking the boundary of the building was put in place by the RAF’s Air Marshal Stu Atha, the RAF’s Deputy Commander Operations.
He said: “This is a landmark moment for the RAF, the RAF Air Cadets and, indeed, any young person with an interest in aviation.
“This academy, delivered by a partnership we are proud to be part of, will prepare young people to be the next generation driving forward both the RAF and UK aviation.”
Mr Simon Witts, founder and chief executive of the Aviation Skills Partnership — set up to bring young people into the aviation industry — said: “This academy is part of our vision for the future.
“We plan to have a number of aerospace academies across the UK and this is just the beginning.”
The Syerston academy will be next to the RAF’s No 2 Flying Training School and the Central Gliding School, which provides gliding for 41,000 air cadets.
The RAF Air Cadets is a 55,000-strong global leader in youth aviation and its aerospace syllabus will underpin the initial training for students aged 14-22 at the academy.
'Inspire the next generation'
The Commandant RAF Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, said: “Our cadets and their supporting staff will benefit massively from the new aviation academy and the state-of-the-art facilities on the site.
“In addition, as part of the RAF’s centenary plans, we hope to secure funding to build a £2m modular accommodation block at RAF Syerston for visiting youngsters and cadets from across the UK.
“The latter will learn about cyber technology and aerospace up to A-level.
“With the addition of fit-for-purpose accommodation, we would be able to relocate our Qualified Aerospace Instructors’ Course to the new facility as well as other national cadet training events and competitions.
“This initiative aligns with the RAF’s intent to use its centenary to inspire the next generation and focuses on the delivery of excellent training in key disciplines of value to the RAF, defence and the wider UK economy.”
The academy was launched during the RAF Air Cadets’ latest aerospace camp at RAF Syerston, which saw 220 cadets aged 13-19 meet at the base for a week to learn more about aviation.
Wartime pilot died a hero
The aviation academy at RAF Syerston will be named after a second world war hero and former RAF Air Cadet.
Acting Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron of Volunteer Reserve, 218 Squadron, received the Victoria Cross — the highest award for gallantry — for his actions on August 12, 1943.
He was captain and pilot of a Stirling aircraft that was badly damaged while approaching to attack Turin.
The navigator was killed and other members of the crew were wounded.
A bullet struck Flight Sergeant Aaron in the face, breaking his jaw and tearing away part of his face. He was wounded in the lung and lost the use of his right arm.
Flt Sgt Aaron reluctantly relinquished control of the stricken aircraft for a time but, unable to speak, continued to help by writing directions with his left hand as the plane headed away from the enemy.
They landed at the fifth attempt at Bone Airfield, Algeria. Nine hours later Flt Sgt Aaron died from exhaustion.
The citation said: “Had he been content, when grievously wounded, to lie still and conserve his failing strength, he would probably have recovered, but he saw it as his duty to ensure his aircraft and crew did not fall into enemy hands.
“In appalling conditions he showed the greatest qualities of courage, determination and leadership and, though wounded and dying, he set an example of devotion to duty which has seldom been equalled and never surpassed.”