International Air Cadet Exchange Program

International Air Cadet Exchange Program

AYLİN YAVAŞ, being83@yahoo.com

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program 2002, which allowed a group of young people from different nations to share their interest in aviation, was held between July 16-30. Under the IACE program, cadets were able to fly in military aircraft, go on expeditions, camp on military bases and, above all, to visit another country.

The purpose of the IACE Program was twofold: to stimulate youth interest in affairs far removed from their particular locales, and to recognize those air cadets who have performed outstanding service to their units over a period of years. The program also aimed to teach different cultures, values, and languages to the attendees. Each year, a limited number of cadets and senior member escorts travel to a different foreign country as part of an aviation cadet exchange program to further international goodwill and understanding. In 2002, Air Cadets travelled to Australia, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Numerous international aviation associations, including the Turkish Aeronautical Association, and the U.K. and U.S. Civil Air Patrol participated in the IACE Program 2002. The program also included associations from Canada, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland. Applicants were asked to complete an examination, organized by theTurkish Aeronautical Association (THK), and Yasemin Cakmak, Cengizhan Acar, Ozcan Bicer and Aylin Yavas were selected to represent Turkey at the 2002 IACE in the United Kingdom. Cakmak, Acar, Bicer and Yavas were invited to London, a metropolis of some 8 million inhabitants in an area of about 610 square miles, with a very long and rich history.

After arriving at London's Heathrow Airport on July 16, approximately 100 Air Cadets from all over the world attended a welcome briefing by HQ Air Cadets-Wing Commander Mike Eveleigh. The U.K. Air Cadet Organization has 4,300 uniformed officer volunteer personnel, 42,000 cadets, plus 6,200 civilian supporters. The organization is run from Air Cadet Headquarters through six regional headquarters. In addition, headquarters runs permanent schools for adult staff training, gliding instructors and adventure training. Visitors to the United Kingdom were divided into three groups. One group, for instance, had representatives from Turkey, Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, and Israel. Officers helped the attendees during the three phases of the trip, which the attendees described as a fairy tale, and comprised the London Phase, the London and southeast region tour and the Cranwell Phase.

The Air Cadets went gliding at the Air Cadet Central Gliding School (ACCGS), where they learned the loops and dolphins which they defined as inspiring. On behalf of THK and the Turkish Air Cadets, the Turkish attendees made a presentation. The Turkish Air Cadets were then themselves presented with certificates for promoting international understanding, goodwill, and fellowship among youth with an interest in aviation. They went to RAF Syerston, and to commemorate the visit to the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at Syerston, cadets were given certificates. In the Cranwell phase, cadets visited the Imperial War Museum in Duxford and the RAF Odiham Visitor Station facilities to get an ideaof military customs. They also had a chance to do some shooting. To touch and shoot a rifle was something new and different for the cadets. The cadets also paid a visit to Skegness and Lincoln Cathedral, which played an important role during World War II, in an effort to learn more about Britain's military history.

The IACE also aimed to teach the culture and history of the host country; the cadets were informed about the history of London and the history of aviation in Britain. They visited the Tower of London and toured Britain's National Museum of Aviation (Royal Air Force
(RAF) Museum Hendon). The cadets also explored British royal history and saw the Battle of Britain Control Room, RAF Uxbridge, where Churchill operated during World War II. The attendees visited the famous Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, where they were able to watch the fascinating Golden Jubilee Flying Tribute, and also went to the Farnborough Air Show to see many different types of aircraft.

The cadets enjoyed a two week program with aviation as the centraltheme where they had the opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures. The IACE Program was designed not only to offer an opportunity fortravel to other parts of the world, but also to learn about aviation, attend flight academies and to give cadets an idea of military customsand courtesies. If you are eligible to join a squadron, and if you are not over the age of 19, the Turkish Daily News (TDN) advises you totake advantage of the fascinating and excellent programs that Air Cadets have to offer.

Notes from the tour

The cadets not only received aviation and military training, they also toured London as part of the 2002 IACE Program. Touring the famous sites of London helped the cadets understand the British culture and history and give them a greater understanding of Britain. The cadets toured London during the first phase of the trip, visiting famous sites, parks and museums, including Madamme Tussaud's, the Planetarium, Hyde Park, the Royal Academy, Queen Victoria's Memorial, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul's Cathedral and the HMS Victory, the flagship of Britain's Line.

Attendees toured the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. The tower was a citadel to defend or command the city, a royal palace forassemblies or treaties, a state prison for the most dangerous offenders, the armory, and the treasury for the crown jewels. Cadets visited the British Airways London Eye (Millennium Wheel), the world's biggest observation wheel, which provides views across London up to a distance of 45 kilometers. The Turkish Air Cadets presented a THK patch to the officer at No. 10Downing St., the official home of the prime minister. They watched the changing of the guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, and took a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.

Ankara - Turkish Daily News

http://www.turkishdailynews.com/past_probe/08_11_02/art.htm#a2