Scouts from 79th Reading got a taste for the high life over the summer when 16 Troop members and three adult volunteers attended the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

In perfect flying conditions, the Chieftain Troop worked towards their Air Activities and Air Spotter activity badges thanks to an array of challenges and opportunities on offer. Access to the event was made possible thanks to the Scout Association’s partnership with the Royal Air Force.

Scouts from across the country explored a variety of STEM activities on the ground, as well as seeing the sights and sounds of hundreds of aircraft from all eras and countries of the world. They were even able to meet and quiz some of the intrepid pilots to find out just how hot, and how loud it is inside the cockpit of a jet fighter!

The illustrious Red Arrows also put on impressive acrobatics, adding a spectacular sky display to the informative and insightful day’s schedule.

Luke Hughes, who helps lead Chieftain Troop, said of the day: “After visiting as an Air Scout when I was young, I took the opportunity to arrange an action packed, highly exciting day for our Scouts and it couldn’t have been better.

“The day was action packed with ongoing air displays constantly going on, the opportunity to meet real air crew and pilots for different aircraft from across the world, and we had the opportunity to all learn lots and experience new things,” he said. “On a perfect sunny day, the Scouts left after having a full day that we hope they’ll remember forever.”

Adult leader Harald Meinzer added: “The Scouts had lots of fun, and were amazed how agile not just fighter jets, but even heavy transport planes can be. In the afternoon, the Red Arrows turned up and amazed us with their acrobatic performance. On the ground there were many interesting activities by different Forces where the Scouts could join in and participate, and of course many planes to see and some even to enter. Scouts were told to buddy up but otherwise given relatively free reign, with strict orders to return to meeting point every two hours. They loved it so much that every time we met, they wanted another two hours – and we ended up staying until the show closed.”

Learn more about the partnership between the RAF and the Scout Association here.