RAFA Welcomed At San Javier Air Base

By Staff Reporter (office@theleader.info) (Published: 25/05/2008 Edition No.: 213)

A coach load of members from the Costa Blanca Branch 1359 of The Royal Air Forces Association travelled to the Spanish Air Force Academy based in San Javier recently. On arrival at the Academy members were met by an English speaking officer who welcomed the group and explained the ethos of the Academy which he reinforced with a comprehensive video which showed the many and varied aspects of the 5 year training the students were subjected to if they wished to qualify as pilots. The group was then shown around the two types of aircraft the students flew. The first was a small two seat single engined propeller aircraft, of the type seen flying for hours above the houses, the other was a single engined jet aircraft, the type used by the Spanish aerobatic team The aircraft were not too sophisticated but brought back memories to many who had flown or worked on similar aircraft in the RAF careers. The culmination of the visit was a trip to the Academy gift shop where several members purchased mementos of the visit and the day finished with a welcome lunch at the Casa Nicolas Restaurant. Read +: http://www.costablancaleader.com/news/article.php?article_id=15417&article_section_id=1