44F Squadron Boosted by new staff

44F Squadron Air Training Corps has been boosted with the arrival of two new staff members.

Nasir Ahmed Bradford joined 44F Squadron as a Civilian Instructor (CI), CI Ahmed, is an ex cadet who joined 44F in 1989 when the squadron was based at the old ,location of Leeds Road in Bradford. Nasir left the Squadron to pursue other activities outside the ATC but is now the Events Officer, organising events for the cadets. Nasir works for The Royds Community Association on Bradford as an Employment Officer covering Girlington, Thornbury and the Mannigham Areas.

CI Ahmed is delighted to be part of the ATC once again and is looking forward to working with the “Next Generation.” He said: “As well as returning back to the Squadron, I intend to join the RAF Volunteer reserve as an Officer in due course. Working in the Community, has given me valuable experience which would benefit the Squadron.”

Yaseen Rahman from Bradford joined the 44F City of Bradford Squadron as a Civillian Instructor (CI). Yaz works fulltime with the BBC in Yorkshire, directing the Look North news bulletins. Amongst his other duties he is the BECTU Union Lead Safety Rep for the BBC Yorkshire Region, covering Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield & York also a Union Shop Steward. Cadet Rahman (his son), joined the 44F (City of Braford) Squadron, and this sparked an interest for Mr Rahman to join as an adult staff member.

He said: “It was great being able to give something back to the Community and the ATC, this is new and exciting, truly a challenge in itself. I intend to join the VRT as an Officer in due course. I thought I was going to enjoy myself, which I am, but now I am also responsible for highlighting the many achievements and events as well as getting the Squadron noticed as the Squadrons Media & Communications Officer”

Adult volunteers, uniformed or civilian, have a crucial role in the organization, as without them the Air Cadets could not offer the vast range of activities it does.

As well as helping cadets realise their potential, adult staff can also gain valuable academic qualifications and leadership skills which are highly valued by employers. So what exactly is the secret of helping young people to become high flyers?

Air Commodore Ian Stewart, Commandant Air Cadets, said: “Air Cadets aged 13 to 18 are given the chance by our team of staff and adult volunteers to learn to fly aerobatics, learn skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries, become target shooting marksman, join a band, learn about aviation and aerospace - only a small list of the many activities and opportunities for an enviable social life with many new friends.”

The activities and opportunities available to members of the Air Cadet Organization (ACO) are certainly impressive. Many cadets take control of an aircraft before they drive a car!

Getting involved as an adult instructor and help shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders is easy. Anyone who has a few spare hours a week is welcome in the Air Cadets.


44F City of Bradford Squadron is keen to meet anyone aged 13 – 17, interested in joining in the adventure. If you are Interested in joining the Air Training Corps you can contact 44F Squadron City Of Bradford at Bell Vue Barracks, Drill Parade, Mannaingham,BD8 7HY please ring 01274 742954, email: office@44f.org.uk or visit the rest of the site. The Squadron parades every Monday and Friday’s between 7-9pm.

Bradford Cadets take to the air

Seven teenage Air Cadets from Bradford have flown a aircraft for the first time and have had the opportunity to literally “take control” and pilot the machine themselves. .
Cadet Rahman , Cadet Minshull, Cadet Crouch, Cadet Brewer, Cadet Fuller, Cadet Clay and Cadet Webster, of 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, Air Training Corps, took control of an aeroplane at RAF Church Fenton.

Officer Commanding, Flt Lt John Seed, said “ It’s great to take new recruits flying for the first time and to see their reaction when they land having taken control for the first time. Not many young people get this opportunity but for Air Cadets it’s what we do best”.
RAF Church Fenton is the home of No. 9 Air Experience Flight and gives air cadets the chance to fly with an experienced pilot by their side while they familiarises themselves with the aircraft.

Bradford squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. It meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm. For more information call (01274) 742954 or visit the rest of the site.

Cadets Visit Police Station

Cadets from 44F were part of the West Yorkshire open day. All cadets and staff had great fun talking with police officers and discussing equipment etc.