Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron

Recently YUAS students took part in our annual summer camp LeadEx.

Unique to YUAS, LeadEx is designed build leadership, resilience and mental robustness, providing the opportunity to practically apply the theoretical foundations of leadership and fieldcraft skills in a demanding, dynamic scenario💪🧠🪖.

Split into two phases, the students began with introductions to leadership theory and fieldcraft skills including battlefield formations, first aid and surviving in the field. The second phase saw the students deploy to a training area where they established a forward operating base and harbour area⛑️🏕️.

For four days they led sections to complete serials and command tasks, guarded their harbour area and responded to a series of different events – all the while the scenario evolved and intensified! They were also introduced to basics of fire starting and shelter building for survival🔥🪵.
Led and organised by students, LeadEx is the apex of the student year and the culmination of months of hard work. It remains a testament to the commitment of all the staff, the senior leadership team, and the students involved🌟👏.

🟨⬛️Congratulations to APO Jones🟨⬛️

APO Jones recently completed their solo low-level navigation flight around the North York Moors at 500ft! Flying a pre-planned route, she skillfully navigated waypoints, drift-corrected headings, calculated ETAs, flew an IP to target, and safely returned to the airfield👏

Following this, Jones successfully completed the Pilot Navigation Test (PNT), a challenging test involving low-level navigation, an IP to target, unplanned navigation, and an emergency scenario!✈️

With this, APO Jones earned their Budgie Wings, marking the completion of the core flying syllabus🪽

Well done on this impressive achievement and continued progress in flight training🌟

🟨⬛️Congratulations to Off Cdt Wilson on completing the Pilot Navigation Test (PNT) and earning his Budgie Wings ✈️ a significant step in his flight training 🟨⬛️

This achievement demonstrates strong navigational skills, situational awareness, and a solid foundation for further aviation development!

Well done Off Cdt Wilson🪽✈️🌟

Over the weekend, YUAS students headed to the Alne Street Fair to lend a hand! Helping set up stands, manage car parking, and engage with the locals!

From running the coconut shy and sizzling burgers🥥🍔 to packing down at the end of the day, the team showed what YUAS spirit is all about🌟

Oh, and we couldn’t forget the surprise highlight: making a few feathered friends along the way! 🦉

This weekend 2 students were proud to represent YUAS at RAF Cosford Air Show✈️
Supporting with aircrew hosting and the Tutor Display Team!
A great occasion for teamwork and flying! ✈️🇬🇧

Recently, students from Yorkshire Universities’ Air Squadron took part in the RAF Mountaineering Association’s Festival of Climbing event, including the Indoor Climbing Championships held at Awesome Walls, Sheffield. Three YUAS students competed in the “Top Rope Novice” category, with Officer Cadets Rorison and Hobday qualifying for the finals. Officer Cadet Hobday went on to secure second place overall in a highly competitive final🧗🏅.

YUAS proudly placed as the top-performing University Air Squadron at the event, demonstrating both strong climbing ability and exceptional team spirit throughout the day🌟.

The weekend continued with Officer Cadet Hobday attending the RAFMA Peak District Meet, where he spent two days climbing at Windgather and Bamford Edge. With perfect weather and the instructor’s guidance, he gained valuable experience in outdoor and lead climbing while representing YUAS among the wider RAF adventurous training community. The event not only built technical skills but also highlighted YUAS’ enthusiastic engagement with adventurous training and its growing presence within the wider RAF communities.

Earlier this year, four lucky students had the incredible opportunity to take part in EX NORDIC CHALLENGE NORWAY 25 – an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Norway’s winter wonderland🏔️❄️

This unique expedition gave them the chance to learn Nordic skiing from scratch, developing their skills throughout the week before putting them to the test in a final race against the rest of the team, with Off Cdt Scott Lawson placing 3rd in his category. From mastering the basics to gliding confidently across the snow, it was a week of challenge, growth, and unforgettable memories!🎿

Here’s what Off Cdt Hobday had to say about the experience:
“Starting as complete beginners at the beginning of the trip, then finishing with the confidence to ski independently was incredibly rewarding. Huge thanks to our instructor, who made every session enjoyable and engaging. Their guidance truly made the experience unforgettable!”

A massive thank you to the RAF Nordic Association for making this trip possible and for supporting such an amazing opportunity for students to push their limits, embrace the cold, and discover a new passion⛷️