VHF Radio Course 29 September.
Three Cadets from 2028 gained their VHF Provisional qualification, 2 from 489 and 2 from 497 gained their VHF Full.

ATC National HF Competition 30 September.
Congratulations to 489 Squadron who were the only individual unit from W&B Wing to take part in this contest. Their station was operated single handedly by Cadet Sgt Dan Grosvenor.

Communicator Badges
Cadet Sgt Derick Partridge from 489 completed his Communicators qualification and he will be receiving his badge and certificate in the next batch from HQAC, 489 has now overtaken 497 as the squadron holding most communicator badges.

Tri-Service, 24-Hour HF Competition 24&25 November.
We are still looking for radio operators for this event. Cadets should have at least completed the VHF Provisional qualification. Additional staff would also be appreciated. The purpose of the contest is to make contact with as many ATC, CCF and SCC units as possible within the 24 hour time limit from 14:00 Saturday to 14:00 Sunday. We split the operating up into eight 3-hour shifts controlled by operators from 489 and 497 who are trained on the equipment and have contest experience. If you can only come for a few hours let me know and we can fit you into the appropriate shift.

The Wing team will be setting up the HF station at a farm near the village of Long Buckby , which will allow us to build a full 75meter long antenna. There will be a complete campsite set up so you can bring a tent and when off shift you are free to explore, rest, cook and play games etc. If you cannot stay for the whole event you can turn up just before your shift time and leave afterwards.

Last year 6 cadets ran the whole event and that was found to be too tiring. This year we need more operators. Please contact me if you have staff & cadets available.

Article Submitted by:-
Fg Off David Pink, Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Radio Officer / 2IC Ground Comms, HQAC Comms Team
19Oct07