1 Sep 2025
Cadets 24-hour flight simulator challenge
On 20 June the 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron Air Cadets took part in an epic 24-hour flight simulator to raise money for the Air Cadets and East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).
Planned by the cadets themselves, each team successfully completed the event within the allocated time, as Flight Lieutenant Ian Griffiths explained:
“Three groups of cadets took six-hour shifts to complete the 24-hour flight simulator activity. They had to follow designated flight paths to visit a series of airports and landing strips and even, for extra realism, undertake refuelling.”
Ian outlined that while he had heard about a similar fundraising activity elsewhere, it was the cadets themselves who had carried out all the organisation with one 17-year-old taking on much of the planning, and the young people learning how to take off and navigate in flight simulators over the previous two months.
“They have been working towards the challenge for almost two years. The whole squadron got involved, over thirty people on the day. We wanted to give back to the community – and there was an aviation connection by supporting EAAA. We always hope that we will never need the charity, but one day we might,” Ian said.
The cadets began their challenge at 6pm. Working in pairs – with one flying the simulator and one navigating – they put their newly learned skills into practice with five or six staff supporting behind the scenes, keeping an eye on simulation speed, distance and time, as well as the cadets’ welfare.
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Each simulation was connected to navigation software, and the challenge was streamed live on social media, so people could follow the cadets’ progress. It was a complex challenge, and Ian explained that the teams had to pay careful attention to the course and their route:
“Even a few degrees off could take them dramatically off course and impact on time. This is the reality of flying and they had to adjust their simulation accordingly. They also needed to adjust their simulation to the live weather conditions – the cloud base was low over Newquay, which the teams needed to respond to.”
All teams completed their challenge successfully and within the 24-hour time. There is massive pride within the whole Squadron about what they have achieved.
Ian added, “I think we will all be talking about it for a long time. I’m pleased that it all came off and in the spirit in which it was intended – that the cadets all supported each other in their achievement. Mentally it was a challenge, but they all kept their composure and stuck to the task.”
The cadets have raised an incredible £1,900 so far, 50% of which will be donated to East Anglian Air Ambulance to help people experiencing medical emergencies across the region.
“From the first take-off to the final landing, our cadets worked together to cover every leg of the route, gaining valuable experience, learning new skills and supporting one another throughout. We know that EAAA saves lives and that money will be used productively,” Ian said.
A huge thank you to the 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron Air Cadets for their kind support through such a unique and interesting challenge.