There's nothing quite like it, says flying teen

The first time 16-year-old Affrica Stein flew in a helicopter she knew it was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Affrica, from Wellington, is one of 35 Air Training Corps cadets in Marlborough taking part in an flight training course at Base Woodbourne which ends next Thursday.

She flew solo in a Piper Tomahawk, which cadets use to train in, for the first time on Tuesday when the course began and hoped to get as many hours under her belt as possible before the camp finished.

Flying was Affrica's "favourite thing ever" and she had plans to become a pilot in the air force.

"I just love being on base. The environment is just nice and structured and I just like the way the day runs nicely," she said.

South Island Air Training Corps Association vice-president Brian Roberts said the students would spend 12 intensive days learning about aircraft maintenance and radio procedures, as well as flying with an instructor.

Cadet Andrew Grubb, 16, of Lower Hutt, completed his first solo flight yesterday. He joined the ATC three years ago because he was intrigued by the new experiences it promised.

Flying was like "being a bird" and "going solo" was the ultimate goal for him and all the other cadets, he said. The skies were not as busy with other aircraft like in other places around the country, he said.

Chief flying instructor for the course, Craig Walecki, said students were briefed before each flying lesson, which included instructions on how to turn, climb and descend, and techniques for when the engine stalled.

After each student flew solo they got their wings, which came in the form of a badge and was usually a "very proud moment" for them.

It was up to the students whether they continued with their flight training, possibly through aero clubs, he said.

SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 13/01/2011

HAVE WINGS, WILL FLY: Affrica Stein, from Wellington, is one of 35 Air Training Corps cadets from around the country learning to fly at Base Woodbourne. Affrica is pictured with flight instructor Hayden Leech, from the Ardmore Flying School. Photo: SCOTT HAMMOND.