GLIDERS will soar over Bathurst from tomorrow for the Australian Air Force Cadets’ (AAFC) National Aviation Competition.
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The annual event, which has been running for more than a decade, brings cadets from across the country to one location for several days of gliding and powered flights.
For the past three years Bathurst has proved a suitable location to host the event, according to AAFC squadron leader Brady Downes, due to the optimal facilities at Bathurst Aviation Centre.
“The conditions are really good for gliding in particular ... and if they are good for gliding then they’re good for powered flying,” he explained.
Between 30 and 40 cadets are expected to arrive in Bathurst for the competition.
They will compete for three individual trophies – the Fysh-McGuiness Trophy for best powered flying, the KJ Broomhead Cup for best glider flying; and the Rawdon Middleton VC Trophy for cadets displaying the best airmanship in their discipline.
A fourth trophy – known as a ‘wing’ – will be awarded for the best overall state.
Organiser, Flight Lieutenant Ian Reilly said the competition is about having your skills assessed for two kinds of flying – in practice and in theory.
“It is pretty much a friendly competition, but some of the cadets take it really seriously,” he said.
Competition commences tomorrow and runs until Saturday.
Members of the public are unable to attend, however they may be able to catch a glimpse of the aircraft from public areas of the airport and its surrounds.
Trophies will be presented to successful cadets on Saturday night in front of a string of VIP guests including Australian Air Force Cadets Commander Group Captain Greg Williamson.