New 361 (Gateshead) Squadron Badge

Time for a change...

After many years of having a Bulldog on our squadron badge the time has come to introduce a new emblem which is more appropriate to our location in Gateshead.

Our new badge incorporates the Angel of the North- the massive iconic sculpture by Anthony Gormley which is seen by many thousands of motorists as they approach Gateshead from the South and a new squadron motto "Aspire & Achieve" which encompasses what the Air Cadet Organisation is all about.

The Angel of the North also has wings, which is more relevant to an organisation which aims to get its members flying. (Although we all hope that the Angel of the North itself remains firmly rooted to the ground...)

Recent Flyers

After a number of cancellations earlier this year due to poor weather, twelve cadets from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron have been flying with 11 AEF (Air Experience Flight) at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

Flying took place on four different days in the last three weeks and cadets included a number of first time flyers as well as more experienced members of the squadron who experienced the thrill of aerobatics including loops, barrel rolls and stall turns. 

All cadets had the opportunity of taking control of the aircraft in the air to learn about the effects of the controls.

We've done it again!

At the recent Durham/Northumberland Wing Competitions Day, 361 squadron won the Banner Drill Competition for the fifth year in a row. (That is every year since Banner Drill was added as a competition in the Wing.)

The winning team consisted of Sgt Jack Dawson, Sgt Owen McPake, Cpl Ryan Vasey, Cdt William Fletcher and Cdt Sam Dawson who put on an excellent display of precision banner drill.

Method of Instruction Course

Two members of 361 (Gateshead) Squadron recently successfully completed a Method of Instruction (MOI) course where they learnt the skills required to successfully deliver training to other cadets in the squadron.

 Pictured are Sergeant Jack Dawson and Corporal Alan Klimczak with their MOI Certificates.

Latest 361 Squadron BTEC Awards

On Tuesday, 15th March six members of 361 (Gateshead) Squadron were presented with their BTEC Level 2 Certificates in Aviation Studies.

Corporals Tearney, Craig & Klimczak, Sergeants McPake & Dawson and ex Cadet Warrant Officer Hogg all gained these awards by achieving passes at all levels of the Air Cadet training syllabus and these BTECs are just one of the three that can be attained by cadets.

Latest Squadron Training Awards

On Thursday, 11th February three cadets from 361 squadron were presented with badges and certificates to mark the completion of the latest stage of their training.

Cpl Ryan Vasey (left) received his Senior Cadet award, whilst Cpl Alan Klimczak (centre) and Cpl Callum Tearney (right) were both presented with their Master Cadet classification which now qualifies these two cadets to receive a Level 2 BTEC in Aviation Studies.

New Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award

On Tuesday, 26th January, Sgt Jack Dawson was presented with his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Certificate and Badge.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has three levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - with increasing challenges at each level and to gain an award a young person has to complete: (a) A Physical Activity/Sport, (b) A Skills section, (c) A Volunteering project and (d) a Map Reading/Camping Expedition all of which become more difficult at each level of the award. (In addition at Gold level there is a requirement to attend a Residential activity.)

The Air Cadet Organisation is the largest Operating Authority for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and every cadet is encouraged to achieve, at least, a Bronze Award.