5 July 2007
High school students from the upper North Island have been detonating explosives, scrambling through mud and flying in military aircraft this week as part of an Air Force experience at Whenuapai Air Force Base.
The event is organised by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and involves 40 Year 12 and 13 students from high schools between Taupo and Whakatane, including Auckland.
The students have given up the first week of their school holidays to take part in training exercises, fly in aircraft and talk with airmen and airwomen about what a career in the Air Force can hold.
RNZAF Auckland regional recruiting officer Flight Lieutenant Graham Burnnand said the students had all expressed interest in an Air Force career through their school careers advisers.
“The Air Force Challenge allows the students to experience what Air Force life is really like. It’s more than just guns, aircraft and parade drills. The experience gives students the chance to learn about Air Force culture and a number of trades which they might not otherwise be aware of.”
Next week RNZAF Base Ohakea will initiate its own Air Force Challenge for high school students from the rest of New Zealand.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.
Pictured above right: Air Force Challenge Mud Run - Warrant Officer Ceildh Martin with her group.