RAF Brize Norton hosts Carterton Community College students

The visit, hosted by 99 Squadron, was part of activities marking the Month of the Military Child, which recognises the ‘resilience, strength and sacrifices’ of children from military families.

During the visit, more than 30 students from RAF families were given an inside look at a C-17 Globemaster, a long-range transport aircraft used in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

Students explored all areas of the plane, including the cockpit, cargo systems, troop seating, defensive laser technology and even the on-board toilet.

Addison Page, 14, a year 9 student at Carterton Community College whose father serves as an RAF Mover, said: “I did want to be a pilot but I’ve decided to be a civvy truck driver.

“My passion is plane spotting and I’m planning to go to RIAT this year, at RAF Fairford.”

Addison spoke about the growing community of aviation enthusiasts, known as ‘avgeeks,’ at RAF Fairford.

He said: “It’s a total passion of mine.

“You just have to guess which aircraft are going to take off or land.

“You can certainly hear the American B-1s getting ready to fly.”

Brize Norton is the largest Royal Air Force base in the entire UK. It is located near the towns of Carterton and Witney.