ATC proving super popular

GLIDE TIME: Wanganui air cadets had the chance to fly glider planes at Feilding last month. PHOTO/CHARLES QUIRK 31032015WCSUPCADETS

The Wanganui Air Training Corps Squadron is at capacity, with around 90 young participants each week. But Squadron Leader Beau Frericks said that should not put parents off making inquiries.

"There may be some vacancies mid-year, and there is always the New Zealand Cadet Corps and the Sea Cadet Corps as well," he said.

"We always need members for our parent support group, too - they are hugely important and we couldn't survive without them."

The Wanganui Air Training Corps - known as No 9 Squadron - had a day out on the shooting range at the Wanganui Pistol Club, and 65 cadets got their first taste of flying gliders with Gliding Manawatu.

Last week the squadron gained second place in the Central Area drill competition at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

Mr Frericks is a volunteer with New Zealand Cadet Forces and donates his time to the non-profit youth organisation that follows a military framework.

"I became a cadet in the Air Training Corps when I was 13 because I loved aviation and saw many like-minded individuals, but as I grew older I found a real passion for IT which gives me a healthy work/life balance and means I can devote voluntary hours to the squadron.

"And there's always time to go flying recreationally."

Mr Frericks said there were exciting opportunities for cadets who wanted to pursue careers in aviation and the Air Training Corps was a great place to start. Ex-Warrant Officer Paddy Richardson has recently been accepted as a pilot in the Royal Navy.

"Another Wanganui former cadet, David Allison, now flies a Boeing 777 for Qatar Airways.

"That is the pinnacle of possibility for cadets but it is about developing confident, responsible young citizens in our community by providing them with safe, enjoyable and challenging opportunities," Mr Frericks said.

New Zealand Cadet Forces were fully funded by the Defence Force before 1971 when the funding was cut back and the cadets became a volunteer organisation.

Parents pay just $65 a year in fees and the Defence Force contributes limited and conditional funding of $25 per cadet for uniforms, and $600 to the unit for running costs.

"Right now we are heading into winter and cadets need jerseys, which cost $70 each, so we are heavily reliant on fundraising by our parent support group who do a fantastic job."

Places in the Air Training Corps are open for youth at year 9 and above and they meet each Wednesday night form 6.30pm to 9pm at the Army Base in Maria Place opposite the recycling centre.

To contact them email contact@9squadron.org.nz or visit their Facebook page: 9SQNATC.