St Athan Grob Aircraft Crash In Wales
Wunderbra
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bedford, UK
Age: 44
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Si, I hope you won't let this sad accident put him (or indeed you) off. As said above, the vast majority of cadets join up because flying is what they want to do, and it is such a fantastic, life changing experience. My heart goes out to the families, blood and extended, who will be feeling the aftermath of this accident keenly.
They shall not grow old, as those who are left grow old....
They shall not grow old, as those who are left grow old....
Wunderbra
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bedford, UK
Age: 44
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm glad to hear that Si. The aef's have an excellent record in terms of safety. In fact, this is the first accident involving their planes that I've heard of.
I flew with 5AEF back in the days when they had the Chipmunk, and also the Bulldog, and those experiences I will always treasure.
To the four members of the cadet extended family that passed today, may your days be forever filled with joy and flying!
I flew with 5AEF back in the days when they had the Chipmunk, and also the Bulldog, and those experiences I will always treasure.
To the four members of the cadet extended family that passed today, may your days be forever filled with joy and flying!
Bugger. AEF has introduced so many to aviation - me in the back of a chippy at newton 1970-something for one. Now I do the same for the keen young ones in east mids (poss yrs, Si) and the pleasure and satisfaction of watching a nervous/scared first timer do the wide eyed grin is hard to describe.
Condolences to all.
DH
Condolences to all.
DH
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: EGFF
Age: 43
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I too live not far from the site and was stunned when i heard the news today. I did a very simular flight along the same route not too long ago. Thoughts go out to all those involved and affected by this tragedy.
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Wilmslow and North Yorks
Age: 53
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very sad day. I was involved with the Air Cadets for a number of years, the AEF guys do a fantastic job introducing youngsters to our profession.
I shall raise a glass or two tonight.
RIP...Venture, Adventure
Comjam ("Venture 8" many moons ago)
I shall raise a glass or two tonight.
RIP...Venture, Adventure
Comjam ("Venture 8" many moons ago)
Last edited by ComJam; 11th Feb 2009 at 23:07. Reason: stupid spelling
Join Date: May 2006
Location: London
Age: 36
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All I can do is offer my condolences to the family of the Cadets and Instructors involved.
My most fond memories of the ATC were the Air Experience Flights, I was lucky and managed to get a fair few flights. I wouldn't be into flying today if it weren't for the ATC and the opportunities they provide. I felt genuinely sad when I found out earlier today, never mind my anger at people stating speculation as fact before even the next-of-kin have been informed.
However, not is not the time to pick a fight. All my thoughts go to the families.
My most fond memories of the ATC were the Air Experience Flights, I was lucky and managed to get a fair few flights. I wouldn't be into flying today if it weren't for the ATC and the opportunities they provide. I felt genuinely sad when I found out earlier today, never mind my anger at people stating speculation as fact before even the next-of-kin have been informed.
However, not is not the time to pick a fight. All my thoughts go to the families.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: France 46
Age: 77
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was an ATC Cadet from 1961 - 1965 after which I joined the RAF as an Officer Cadet at 18 and became a Pilot. My Father was Chairman of the ATC Sqn Committee and my Mother ran the "Canteen". My youngest Brother worked his way up the ranks to CWO and then obtained a VR/T Commission. I was ACLO at Abingdon for 2 years and at Manby for 3 years - I take great exception to the suggestion that I show a lack of respect and understanding of the Cadet Organisation at this tragic time.
The BOI will be on its way to investigate this tragedy and it is incumbent on us all to let the BOI carry out its investigation without outside interference or hindrence. The last thing that is needed at this time is another "Walter" - although it appears that some "explanations" are already being aired. The Press will carry Articles exposing shortcomings in AEF standards of Maintenance and Airmanship; calling for the disbandment of the Air Cadet Organisation as well as the ACF, Sea cadets, RM Cadets and anything else they can call to mind.
This is a sad day for all of us - but let us not forget that those who tragically lost their lives did so doing what they yearned to do. It is no consolation - but it may at least ease the pain.
The BOI will be on its way to investigate this tragedy and it is incumbent on us all to let the BOI carry out its investigation without outside interference or hindrence. The last thing that is needed at this time is another "Walter" - although it appears that some "explanations" are already being aired. The Press will carry Articles exposing shortcomings in AEF standards of Maintenance and Airmanship; calling for the disbandment of the Air Cadet Organisation as well as the ACF, Sea cadets, RM Cadets and anything else they can call to mind.
This is a sad day for all of us - but let us not forget that those who tragically lost their lives did so doing what they yearned to do. It is no consolation - but it may at least ease the pain.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Wales
Age: 63
Posts: 729
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I hope to god that I don’t offend anybody by this, but at the earliest opportunity me and my wife are going to walk up to the crash site and leave some flowers.
If anybody would like us to leave a personal message please me PM me and I will do all I can to accommodate your wishes.
If anybody would like us to leave a personal message please me PM me and I will do all I can to accommodate your wishes.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mainland UK
Age: 55
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ex air cadet & ex VR(T) - taken many, many cdts to the AEF over the years and seen the smiles and heard them telling their mates all about it on the way home...
Sincere condolences to the families of all involved and thoughts & prayers for those who have lost their lives.
RIP
Sincere condolences to the families of all involved and thoughts & prayers for those who have lost their lives.
RIP
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lost in the circuit.
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am a current air cadet and I can't tell you how shocking and upsetting this is.
I've been in contact with a few fellow cadet NCO's and all are equally stunned. The safety instruction video they always show you before flying is always taken a bit light-heatedly, I even admit to laughing at the terrible acting. But it has now made me realise how important that video is.
I will never laugh at it again.
RIP cadets, Venture Adventure.
I've been in contact with a few fellow cadet NCO's and all are equally stunned. The safety instruction video they always show you before flying is always taken a bit light-heatedly, I even admit to laughing at the terrible acting. But it has now made me realise how important that video is.
I will never laugh at it again.
RIP cadets, Venture Adventure.
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sad, Sad day
Ex ATC, Gliding and AEF 'staff cadet' ... made it Group 1 Phase1.
My fondest memories are those easy days with no worries and a Chippy flight!
RIP all
My thoughts go to the families of all involved.
My fondest memories are those easy days with no worries and a Chippy flight!
RIP all
My thoughts go to the families of all involved.
>Ex UWAS, my thoughts go to all the staff, studes and cadets down that part of the world<
Also ex-UWAS and current VGS; my most sincere sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of all concerned.
Also ex-UWAS and current VGS; my most sincere sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of all concerned.
Last edited by ACW599; 11th Feb 2009 at 21:54.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: UK Sometimes
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A very sad day for so many. You are in our thoughts.
RIP and God Bless
flipster
It will be of little consolation to the families right now but they died doing something they loved, a thought that may eventually bring a crumb of comfort.
RIP and God Bless
flipster
It will be of little consolation to the families right now but they died doing something they loved, a thought that may eventually bring a crumb of comfort.
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Yorks UK
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As with us all my thoughts go to ALL the families involved as well as the people dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.
As a VR(T) sqn cmdr with cdts due to fly on sunday. I have no worries about letting the cdts go up.
I'd go so far as to let my 10yr old daughter go up first with me following close second to prove to any concerned parents that it's safe.
As far as anything can be safe.
Having driven round the Bradford ringroad to get to work; I'd take a Tutor flight anyday!
May their souls rest in peace.
plastic
As a VR(T) sqn cmdr with cdts due to fly on sunday. I have no worries about letting the cdts go up.
I'd go so far as to let my 10yr old daughter go up first with me following close second to prove to any concerned parents that it's safe.
As far as anything can be safe.
Having driven round the Bradford ringroad to get to work; I'd take a Tutor flight anyday!
May their souls rest in peace.
plastic