Opening of National Aviation Centre for Cadets

22 April 2014

New glider for  Australian Air Force Cadet (photo : RAAF)

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence the Hon Darren Chester MP today officially opened the Australian Air Force Cadets National Aviation Centre at Bathurst.

The Royal Australian Air Force has overseen the $5 million project at Bathurst Aerodrome. Bathurst will become home to a National Aviation Centre for 7100 young Australian Air Force Cadet (AAFC).

“The facility will make aviation training more accessible for Cadets from around Australia,” Mr Chester said. “It will be used by Cadets aged between 13 and 20 years-of-age who will travel from all over Australia to participate in weekend and school holiday aviation camps in Bathurst. Bathurst was chosen as the home for the AAFC’s dedicated National Aviation Centre for its uncongested airspace, whilst remaining close to Sydney which will provide easy access for Cadets from around Australia.”

The facility will have accommodation for up to 80 cadets and 20 staff at any one time. The building will include classrooms, living accommodation, kitchen facilities, and a separate hangar to house aircraft.
The official opening also showcased the first of 19 new gliders which have been purchased by Air Force for the AAFC.

(RAAF)