Yes We Can at RAF Valley!

On Thursday 25th May, 13 students from Canolfan Addysyg Y Bont visited RAF Valley as part of our “Yes We Can / Gallwn” project funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

They were met by Flt Lt Muscat in the briefing room, where the pilots meet every day. The students were very enthusiastic about having a tour around IV Squadron, including seeing the flight training simulators and visiting the Survival Equipment Section. They had great fun trying on helmets and were amazed at how heavy all the kit was. Next, the students had a tour of the hangar, with an opportunity to sit in a Hawk T2 jet.

After a chocolate bar to keep their energy levels up, the students went to visit 202 (R) Sqn, who train Search and Rescue helicopter crews. As they arrived, a helicopter was just taking off, creating great excitement in the bus! The students went on to visit the helicopter hangar, where the helicopter crew practice winching. The students were very excited about the prospect of being winched, but first, Sgt Tom Wilson went through the different hand signals used by the winch operator and winchman to communicate non-verbally. The students then had a try, either as the injured person or as the winchman rescuing them. Tom talked to the students about the importance of working in a team and the different ways they need to communicate, either by hand signals or through the radio.

The students left stating “It was the best day ever!”

Thank you very much to 202 (R) Sqn, in particular Sgt Tom Wilson for delivering a great session about communication. Thank you to IV Squadron, especially the Survival Equipment Section and the simulator staff.

“Yes We Can! / Gallwn!” project,
funded by the
Armed Forces Covenant Fund