2012 Air Force Challenge

During the first week of the July holidays two students from HBHS, Jamie Hull and Chayce Glass, were selected to attend the 2012 Royal New Zealand Air Force Challenge. Physical training, drill practice, unit challenges, career talks and much more lay ahead. We arrived on RNZAF Whenuapai Base on the 2^nd of July, ready for the tough week ahead. The 40 students, who were selected from the 200 that applied, were split into four teams that would battle it out for the prized Seasprite helicopter flight at the end of the week.

Straight away we were into some physical training and team building exercises. Our tired bodies were then dragged off to Survival Training, where we were introduced to never the ending skills of the RNZAF personal.  We were taught the precision of military drill, which we soon found we would be doing anytime, even during the rain and dark.

We were in for a shock the next morning when we were woken up at 5:20am to get ready for the daily barracks inspection. More military drill practise, as well as visits to the force protection and medical trades. Much to our disappointment the mud run was cancelled due to poor weather. The surface and safety trade visit was next on our agenda on Tuesday afternoon, where we packed parachutes and life preservers. Later on in the evening, we were fortunate enough to each have a go on the $15 million C-130 Hercules flight simulator.

Once again we were in for more drill practise and barracks inspections the next day. Visits to 5 Squadron, who operate P-3 K Orions, the parachute-training support unit and the avionics trade, were made. Also visits to the field communications and fire fighting trades were arranged. After dinner we headed off to the pool, where we took part in emergency water based training, which included swimming in full aircrew clothing.

Like the previous days barracks inspections and drill practise kicked off Thursday. The armament unit came demonstrating to us a few of their toys, much to our delight. After lunch, the four teams showed their talents at Drill during a hotly contested competition. A trip to 40 Squadron, who operate the Hercules and 757s, allowed the teams to walk through some of the RNZAF’s operational aircraft. Later on the teams were challenged with a general knowledge quiz.

On the last day, the winning team of the 2012 Royal New Zealand Air Force Challenge was announced. Chayce Glass’ Team Hercules won a trip around the Auckland airspace. The trip involved a circle around the city, including landmarks such as, the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island.

We’d like to thank W/O Robyn Gell and the team leaders for their efforts in giving us an insight into the life of RNZAF personnel and making our experience during the challenge so awesome, also to Mrs Ross for her help in organising our applications.

Written by Jamie Hull and Chayce Glass (Year 12)