A high-flying air cadet enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience when she flew with the elite Red Arrows.
The hair raising flight was the ultimate treat for Emily Bethell, 19, who was chosen to fly with the acrobatics display team to mark the 75th anniversary of the air cadets, after being named the best air cadet in her region.
Emily, a former Tytherington High School pupil who hopes to join the RAF, said: “It was insane.
“When you see one of the Red Arrows rolling over you and the others in formation each side of you, I mean, it was just unbelievable.
“This is my first time working at the Royal International Air Tattoo, so you can imagine that arriving in a Red Arrow was very special and an experience that I won’t forget.”
Emily, from Tytherington, was one of just nine RAF air cadets to fly in the Red Arrows Hawk Jet from RAF Scampton to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the Royal International Air Tattoo air show.
She hitched a ride with Flight Lieutenant Stew Campbell and was greeted by Carol Vorderman, who is the air cadet ambassador. She then joined more than 1,000 air cadets on duty at the show.
It’s been a busy year for Emily, who has notched up a string of achievements as an air cadet with 236 Bollington Squadron Air Training Corps.
Emily, whose dad is Flight Lieutenant Alan Bethell, joined the air cadets in 2010 and has this year earned the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, the highest honour in the series, and carried out official duties after being appointed to her prestigious role of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet.
She has built up hours towards her pilot’s licence and undertaken a 9,000 foot free-fall skydive, as well as boosting her qualifications with three BTECs, including one in aviation studies, which will help in her goal of becoming a flight operations officer in the RAF.
Emily said: “I come from an air force family, so I have light-blue blood in my veins.
“The variety of activities that are offered in the air cadets is the best thing. Regardless of your background or interests, there’s always something that will take your fancy. It’s fantastically varied and so inclusive.”
The RAF air cadets is one of the UK’s largest youth organisations, providing more than 40,000 young people with training, adventure and opportunities to fly.
Find out more about 236 (Bollington) Squadron ATC at 236atc.co.uk.
