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TWENTY-SIX eager Australian Air Force cadets are currently in Bathurst showcasing their gliding and powered flying skills for assessment at the National Aviation Competition.
The city has hosted the competition for the last few years at Bathurst Aviation Centre, which offers high-quality facilities for the cadets.
Action kicked off on Thursday with familiarisation flying to allow the cadets to better understand the terrain, as well as the aircraft they will be flying for the rest of the competition.
Detachment warrant officer Mark Dunstan, who is responsible for monitoring the health and safety of the cadets during their stay, said the cadets would have five flights during the course of the four-day competition.
Each of the flights will be assessed by experienced judges, who include a Qantas A380 captain and a F-18 combat weapons instructor.
“The week is testing [cadets from] all of Australia and is an opportunity for the squad leader to evaluate how the other states have been trained,” Mr Dunstan said.
Among the cadets, who are all solo-qualified, was 16-year-old Sophie Winterton of the 328 City of Bathurst Squadron.
She joined the cadets in December, 2014 and in July became qualified to fly solo.
Yesterday, she was one of the last cadets to take to the sky and came to the competition already familiar with the location.
“My score doesn't go towards the Best Wing [trophy], but I can still go for the other trophies,” she said.
Sophie was one of just a few female cadets involved in the competition. But, despite this, she believes the number of women involved in the Air Force Cadets is growing.
“We’re definitely capable and confident, there’s just not enough women trying to fly.”
Awards will be presented to the cadets at a formal dinner at Bathurst Aviation Centre on Saturday night.