28/08/2026
GOLD WINGS 2026 - Days 4-5
Today the cadets have been busy visiting various part of RNAS Yeovilton. They started their day in Air Traffic Control (ATC) learning about how the different parts of ATC control aircraft. This included visiting the radar room as well as the ATC tower. On this visit they also had a tour of the airfield meteorological facility learning how the Royal Navy MET Officers complete their weather observations and forecasts.
The cadets then had a briefing on the role of a Fighter Controller which included the training pathway, responsibilities and what life is like on the front line. The cadets then went to the fire station and had some practical demonstrations of the fire fighting equipment which included wearing the breathing apparatus in confined spaces simulating real life situations.
The afternoon concluded with a visit to 825 Squadron, the home of the Wildcat Maritime Force. An observer and pilot from the squadron kindly spent time talking the cadets through their training pathway so far, their roles and the equipment whilst sat in an actual Wildcat helicopter. Aircraft technicians and engineers were also on hand to talk to the cadets to give an insight into other roles in Fleet Air Arm.
To finish the day, the cadets presented a 5 minute speech on a role in the Fleet Air Arm that they had chosen and researched and got to perform in pairs a skit on a trainee pilot and an instructor. This involved members of the staff being impersonated, all in good humour!
