St Athan Grob Aircraft Crash In Wales
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK
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Sad day for all
I am an ex-Nimrod AEOp, ex-Adult Warrant Officer in the ATC and current Air Traffic Control Officer.
This day will go down as one of the saddest of my life with these two Cadets and their Instructors killed. My deepest condolences to all the families involved.
Unfortunately I had early knowledge of the event as I was working as an Air Ground Operator at a nearby airport, and was kept busy for a while due to our proximity.
Per Ardua Ad Astra, and Rest In Peace
This day will go down as one of the saddest of my life with these two Cadets and their Instructors killed. My deepest condolences to all the families involved.
Unfortunately I had early knowledge of the event as I was working as an Air Ground Operator at a nearby airport, and was kept busy for a while due to our proximity.
Per Ardua Ad Astra, and Rest In Peace
Join Date: Feb 2001
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So saddened
As a current AEF pilot who has flown many sorties with Air Cadets, my heart goes out to all of the families today. Flying with cadets is the most rewarding flying I have been fortunate to do in the twenty years since I had my first flight in a Chippy... today is a very sad day.
As another AEF pilot I was stunned to hear the news this morning that there had been a collision involving AEF aircraft. I can’t put into words what the poor families must be going through and my deepest sympathies are with them.
AEF’s provide an avenue for young people to experience what a lot of us take for granted and that is the thrill of being airborne. I admire the nervous first time flyer, who sometimes look terrified yet has the guts to get into a small aircraft, and enjoy showing him/her the joy of flying.
The cadets are a pleasure to take flying as they are so keen so to lose one's life this way is so tragic.
My thoughts are with the families of the 2 cadets and my 2 fellow AEF pilots who tragically lost their lives today.
HF
AEF’s provide an avenue for young people to experience what a lot of us take for granted and that is the thrill of being airborne. I admire the nervous first time flyer, who sometimes look terrified yet has the guts to get into a small aircraft, and enjoy showing him/her the joy of flying.
The cadets are a pleasure to take flying as they are so keen so to lose one's life this way is so tragic.
My thoughts are with the families of the 2 cadets and my 2 fellow AEF pilots who tragically lost their lives today.
HF
What a terrible event. The loss of 2 young and trusting souls along with their pilots on what should have been an inspiring flight. I find myself at a loss for the appropriate words that I need to offer comfort to those left behind and remembrance for those no longer with us.
God bless.
God bless.
Join Date: Mar 2005
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A sad, sad day. I have happy memories of days on AEFs being flown in Chippies.
My condolences to all 4 families.
Venture Adventure, Per Ardua Ad Astra
sw
My condolences to all 4 families.
Venture Adventure, Per Ardua Ad Astra
sw
I was on my BGT at 618 VGS when the news of the Wessex crash that killed the cdts on board came through; having been at Valleya few weeks previously and only having missed a trip on a Wessex due to poor weather, a shiver went through me. Didn't stop me going solo, or taking up as many AEF slots as I gcould thereafter, or getting the odd UAS flight despite being sponsored as an Engineer.
And still, when I see this sort of thing I get the shiver and think there but for the grace of God...
RIP all concerned.
And still, when I see this sort of thing I get the shiver and think there but for the grace of God...
RIP all concerned.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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A terrible event. I hope there shall be no kneejerk reactions to a fantastically inspiring organisation which provides so much joy to so many.
RIP from an ex-Tutor flyer.
RIP from an ex-Tutor flyer.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Thankfully AEF has not been suspended. Although there is a somber atmosphere and everyone is in shock, the aircraft are allowed tofly and more Cadets will sample the joys of aviation. This started my facination with aviation and I owe the Air Cadets and RAF a lot as they helped to get me where I am.
A terrible accident.
My heart goes out to the friends and families of both the Pilots and Cadets alike, this is a shock to the RAF family, the Aviation family and indeed the UK.
Rest in Peace, our thoughts are with you all
A terrible accident.
My heart goes out to the friends and families of both the Pilots and Cadets alike, this is a shock to the RAF family, the Aviation family and indeed the UK.
Rest in Peace, our thoughts are with you all
Join Date: Apr 2004
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As another military aviator who began my flying career at the AEF at Church Fenton I can only add my condolences. Tragic news and words can't express the sadness. They all died doing something they enjoyed; a small comfort. RIP
Join Date: Jul 2004
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A Sad Day
As an ex ATC cadet who went on to be a UAS QFI and AEF pilot during a long and happy RAF Career and is now a CI with my local ATC Sqn I add my condolences to the families who lost loved ones yesterday and my thoughts are also with those at St Athan and The cadet's ATC Sqn who will also be feeling a terrible sense of loss. The ATC is a wonderful organisation that brings out the best in young people and the AEFs are an essential feature of the organisation. I have memories spread over almost 50 years, from being the cadet in the back of a Chipmunk to watching the beaming smile on a cadets face at the end of their first flight. I have also been closely involved in the aftermath of a flying accident, to those who have hard days ahead of them I say "Heads up - things will get better" A truly sad day.
Join Date: Oct 2008
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This news rocked me to the core, last night four beds were empty, beds that should have been filled with happy memories of a days flying.
As an Ex RAF Engineer of 20 years, wife of an AEF pilot and mother of three children when my aircraft mad four year old expresses his desire to join up and fly I will continue to encourage him in his dreams.
God Bless and Rest in Peace
As an Ex RAF Engineer of 20 years, wife of an AEF pilot and mother of three children when my aircraft mad four year old expresses his desire to join up and fly I will continue to encourage him in his dreams.
God Bless and Rest in Peace
Cadets named as Nikkita Marie Walters, 13, and Katie-Jo Davies, 14. Pilots named as Hylton Price from Bridgend and Andrew Marsh from Vale of Glamorgan.
RIP and God Speed.
RIP and God Speed.
