AIR Cadets from 372 (Barry) Squadron visited the world's largest dedicated helicopter museum in Western-Super-Mare.

The Air Cadets saw 80 displayed aircraft, from Britain, America, Eastern and Western European countries. The collection includes two aircraft of the Queen's Royal Flight, the World Speed Record Holder G-Lynx, formidable Russian Hind Gunship and the 'Huey' Bell UH-1H.

The modified Westland G-Lynx flew at 249mph (400kmph) over the Somerset Levels on August 11, 1986. The Lynx was originally built as a demonstrator craft by Westland Helicopters and to allow the craft to fly at high speed, more powerful Rolls-Royce engines were added along with newly-designed blades.

The cadets also saw at first hand the Russian Mil Mi-24 Hind - a large and impressive helicopter gunship and attack helicopter with the ability to transport eight troops transport. Soviet pilots called the Mi-24 the "flying tank".

The Helicopter Museum has three main objectives when working on the helicopters in the collection: to retain the aircraft’s originality and authenticity; to save the aircraft for future years and to prepare the aircraft for exhibition.

The cadets also watched the conservation work in progress on various aircraft; which is carried out entirely by volunteers in their spare time. A number of conservation projects are currently in progress including the Bristol Belvedere.

James Jelinski said “I really enjoyed the visit today; seeing so many different types of helicopter and how they have changed over the years. This information will help me with my principles of flight exam I will be sitting later this year”.

The Air Cadets who visited were – Alex Cheeseley, Jacob Petre, Alex Spragg, Steph Jones, Keiran Bushell, Tash Gill, Georgina Poulakis, Ellie Poulakis, Rhys Horton, Rhian Horton, James Jelinski, Pippa Cowles, Jack Cowles and Sam Smith

The Air Cadets also undertake many other exciting activities and opportunities including flying, gliding, shooting, sports, adventure training, team building exercises, expeditions, field craft training and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

If you have a spirit for adventure, 372 Squadron has vacancies for young men and women between 13-18 years old.

The Squadron parade on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9.30pm behind Adams Funeral Parlour (by the Memorial Hall) or you can contact the Squadron on 01446 747734, email oc.372@aircadets.org or visit 372squadron.org for more information.