1287 (Wattisham) Sqn Annual Dinner

Last Wednesday evening, Cadets from 1287 Wattisham Squadron had the rare opportunity to visit Wattisham Flying Station's Air Traffic Control Tower - whilst fully operational handling Apache Gunship sorties!

Cadets first got to see the radar room where they could first hand see how aircarft were controlled and directed out of visual range, up to around 40 miles from the Station, then it was upstairs to see the Tower controlling aircraft on the ground, in the pattern and clearing take-offs and landings! We had a unique insight into the role of air traffic and how rotary wing operations were subtley different for fixed - with landings occuring on multiple points on the airfield.

We now plan to return in the summer to see daylight operations.

A fantastic insight and air to our academic learning - many thanks to the Air Traffic Controllers for accomodating us.