What's an Air Activity camp?
It's a camp for youngsters held at an airfield, where you
get to meet pilots and their planes, they teach you to navigate and learn
about the weather, appreciate instruments and how to control and handle a
plane. You may also get marshalling lessons and how to use the
radio. Then you get a flight to practise the navigation and skills
you've learned. You may get to control the plane too. Sometimes
you may also be lucky enough to get a visit from a Police or Rescue
helicopter, or you may do some other activities such as model making or flying
model aircraft.
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Who can take part?
The camps are arranged by Scout Troops or the County
Organisations, with help from local light aircraft owners, in association with
the Light Aircraft Association (LAA). You will need to be a
Scout; both girls and boys are equally welcome.
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Is it safe?
The pilots are all well experienced and their aircraft are
fully-licensed, certificated and insured. There is close supervision whenever
near the aircraft and full safety briefings are given to crews and
participants.
Because of the camping element there are a number of extra safety
considerations to consider. There is a wealth of experience in the Scout
Movement in both the residential aspect and the 'hazardous activities' area to
ensure a safe and enjoyable time is had by all.
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What do I get out of it?
You can gain some of your aviation badges, perhaps a Young Aviators
certificate for your first flight in a small plane, an appreciation
of flight and aircraft, the fun that flying can be, new friends and the pride
of success in a new challenge. You may even find it leads to
a rewarding career in aviation.
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How can I get to go on an Air Activity camp?
Ask about it at your local Scout Group, or 'Google' on the
website to see if there's any information about one in your county. They
are pretty new, so it may take a while for someone near you to organise
one. If there isn't one being organised locally, contact the Scout
Association , the Air Cadets, a
local flying club or gliding club, or the Light
Aircraft Association and see if they can help.
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