On Monday 10th March, at the Wellington Cathedral of Saint Paul, No 41 SQN Colour Party (WO Fowler, CPL Mijares, CPL Haenga-Sutton and LAC Ngaro) attended the Commonwealth Day Service alongside head boys and girls from 27 or so colleges from around the Wellington region. Before we started we all practised together, walking the flags representing the 53 countries of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Flag, up to the altar and back down the aisle in the church. Then we had a quick drink and snack before a final practice.

No 41 SQN was the guard for the Commonwealth Flag; we led the guests and dignitaries at a slow march (medium pace) down the Cathedral. Guests such as the Governor General, Members of Parliament, Commonwealth Diplomats, medal winning athletes etc were in attendance. The Commonwealth Flag was the first to be taken up to the altar where I handed the flag to the Dean of Wellington, the Very Reverend Digby Wilkinson. The team did a great job, and we received compliments on our drill and it was stated that “it was the best he’s seen” by Lieutenant General Tim Keating (Chief of Defence Force).

Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short (Commander Joint Forces NZ) also commended us on our performance, as did members of the Clergy and the public.

Before heading back to T.S. Taupo, we finished the night at the Beehive where we enjoyed delicious snacks and beverages whilst talking to all the high ranking Officers, Student Representatives and others who were involved in the event.

Over-all for my first time experience of being involved in this type of event I felt nervous at first but as the event continued I began to feel more comfortable and thought this was a great experience for a lower ranked Cadet. I look forward to participating in similar events again.

When I think of flying , I would think of birds, helicopters and those weird fish –things that leap out of the water. What I wouldn’t have thought of is me flying a little plane 1,500 ft above Kapiti Island.

I admit, sitting on those plushy chairs, waiting for the Pilot to come and take me for a session was a little nerve racking . I kept constantly invisioning me twisting around random controls and the plane drastically dropping , the pilot screaming in fear that we were going to crash , but in truth it was nothing like that. After running though regular fuel checks and explaining the basic control system, I was allowed to taxi the plane down the runway, before taking off, after which the pilot flew us to Kapiti Island. He then let me take the controls which was tons of fun and fly above and around the island whilst experimenting with different controls.

I only got half an hour for my first flight , but it was more than enough to get me feeling giddy and thrilled for my second time . Flying was such a surreal experience and I can’t wait to learn more.

On the 24th February, 41 Squadron representatives (SGT Cane, SGT Robinson, CPL Haenga-Sutton, and CPL Gordon, with Pilot Officer Brown supervising) participated in the Citizenship Ceremony being conducted that day at Pataka museum. The event marking the final step undertaken by those born in another country in becoming a New Zealand citizen.

We arrived at 1830hrs (6:30 PM), with the ceremony starting at 1900hrs (7:00 PM). Marching on with the official party, SGT Robinson and CPL Gordon where tasked with passing the plants up to the official, who would pass it on the new citizen, to mark their citizenship. SGT Cane and CPL Haenga-Sutton were given the job of watching over the official party, standing on either side of the raised platform.

The ceremony finished in less than 45 minutes, and we went to another room with all the officials and the new citizens to mingle over food and drink before returning to the Unit for the remainder of the normal parade night.

Aside from a few technical difficulties and photographers getting in the way, the ceremony went off without a problem and was very rewarding for all those involved. This was in fact the fifth Citizenship Ceremony I have had the privilege of attending with the Cadets, and is a good experience to do at least once whilst in Cadets.

Even though I have had a few flights already I still had a nervous feeling. But when I got in the air it was really cool. I flew past the Waikanae River mouth and did revision on turning, ascending and descending. It was an absolute blast and definitely one for the thrill seekers – especially when coming in to land because there was lots of turbulence. It became a roller coaster at times but it was really fun. My instructor landed the plane because I wouldn’t have a hope of landing it in the turbulence.

My instructor commented on my flying in that it was really good. It made me feel great and happy to be flying. I thank them for the opportunity.

It was about 1600hrs when we took off from Paraparaumu Airport in a Cessna C-152. We headed up to about 2000 meters and then the pilot gave me the controls. We flew around over the city to start the lesson then headed out to Kapiti Island.

After we had circled the island and completed the Effects and Controls 2 lesson, I tried a tight circle on a medium turn, my first few goes were terrible but soon enough I got the hang of it. At around 1700hrs we landed.
Flying is all way so much fun and I recommend it to anyone looking for a thrill.

It’s 2.15pm on the afternoon of Saturday the 15th June and I’m in the cockpit of one of the smallest aircraft (Cessna C-152) that I have ever seen! After we reached 1000 feet, we headed out to Kapiti Island. It is then suggested that I take over and fly around the island. After a few hairy turns and nearly knocking a group of seagulls out of the sky, the pilot takes over and we go down for a touch and go landing. Then we are up in the air again for a glide around Kapiti. I found this trip a memorable, fun and enjoyable experience (although those seagulls are probably wary of flying for a while!) and am thankful for the opportunity. It’s an opportunity for everyone, and I would recommend it to all major thrill seekers.

Early morning on the 6th of April, CPL Robinson, LAC Drummond and UO Asbery were on the way to Palmerston North for Helicopter flying with Helipro. This was my first flight in a helicopter, and I didn’t know what to expect. Of the three people going, I went last, and the instructor got bored and decided to show off by knocking over road cone, picking it up with the skid and flying round with it before standing the cone back up again.

I found the controls to be very sensitive. My brain barely registering any change in the controls before the helicopter responded. Overall, it was a rewarding experience, and I definitely will be signing up to do it next time.

On the 11th of March myself along with CPL Haenga-Sutton, CPL Eagle and LAC Gordon were selected to bear the Commonwealth Flag for the Commonwealth Day ceremony held at the Cathedral of St Paul’s in Wellington. Also there were students from schools around the region flag bearing Commonwealth countries flags, as well as special guests, such as the Governor General. It was interesting to find more about what Commonwealth Day is about and what it means it to us as New Zealanders. I also enjoyed listening to the speeches given by people from other cultures and as a highlight I enjoyed the dance given by the Sri Lankan dance academy.

Bearing the Commonwealth Flag was a big responsibility as it was the main flag and so as a result was the last to go up. 41 Squadron ATC has a long and proud history of attending this event and carrying the Commonwealth Flag. Taking on the responsibility however made me feel honored but also nervous. To add to the nerves I was made Guard Commander which was a challenge I gratefully took on.

Taking the flag up and down the middle of the ceremony went really well and we made no noticeable mistakes, however we all found it a little difficult keeping balance at times during the slow march.

After the ceremony we were invited to a very luxurious after party at the Beehive, where there was free drinks, finger foods, accompanied by a jazz pianist. I’ve got to say the party in itself was a new experience. Very much unlike the parties I’m used to!

Overall it was a very insightful experience that I enjoyed heaps and wish I could do again…

This was my 2nd flight while in the Air Training Corps. It feels really great being able to be in the air and sometimes having the complete control over a plane. It feels weird doing banked turns and stuff, but other than that, it’s a great experience.

On this flight, I learnt all about the instruments and what they do. I also learnt how to turn steeply which was very, very weird and left a sort of bubbly feeling in your stomach. I even got to fly the plane for most of the time I was up and I also got to take off!

The flight was for an hour and we went to some pretty cool places. We took off and flew up the coast where I got to take control of the plane and learn about the basic controls of the aircraft. At Otaki River, we flew up the river to the start of the Tararua’s. Then we turned back and flew around Kapiti Island, looking for stuff that caught our eye. Finally it was time to turn back and land.

I was waiting in the Helipro reception area for my pilot to call me for my first flight. My heart was pounding, I was shaking with excitement, (but nervous all at the same time). Then finally my name was called out to start my flight. The pilot said that I looked really nervous about flying.

We went out to the apron where the plane was parked. It was a Cessna C-152. The first thing that the pilot showed me was how the rudder fins on the outside of the plane worked. Then I hopped into the left side of the plane, buckled up my seatbelt and closed the door.

We then started up the engine, which was really grunty. The pilot said that I can now use the rudder pedals to steer the plane onto the runway. As we were getting into position to take off the pilot then said “here we go”.

I pulled back on the control column and… within minutes we were up in the air at 1000 feet. This felt so cool I said to the pilot. He flew me over Peka Peka Beach, and then he said “Ok Nikolas, you can have a go at flying with the controls”. So I flew around the whole of Kapiti Island by myself.

It was now time to head back to Helipro, the pilot had to land of course. When we had shut off the plane completely I got out of the plane after the pilot had parked it and said “Hey Sir, flying in the plane was not scary after all!”