617 Heber Squadron - RAFAC

31/05/2026

617 Welcomes Martin Hewitt

Last week we had the privilege of welcoming Martin Hewitt to our squadron. His incredible journey and relentless enthusiasm for life left our cadets and staff genuinely inspired. From overcoming challenges to leading with purpose, Martin showed what resilience and determination really look like.

Captain Martin Hewitt served for eight years as a commissioned officer with the Parachute Regiment, taking part in operations and exercises in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. He was injured in 2007 in Afghanistan whilst leading his men in combat, receiving gunshot wounds to the chest and foot. These injuries paralysed his right arm and ended his military career.

After his injury Martin became the first disabled person ever to reach the summit of Mt Manaslu (8162m) and led a team on Mt Everest 8848M (also with HRH Prince Harry and televised as 'Harry's Mountain Heroes) as well as climbing Mt McKinley (6194m).

Thank you, Martin, for sharing your story and energising the next generation. Our cadets left motivated, ambitious, and ready to push their limits.

31/05/2026

GMW Skills Week!

It looks like everyone had an amazing time! Well done, great effort!

GMWSW26 complete.

Over the past week, almost 200 cadets and 60 staff came together to deliver an outstanding Greater Manchester Wing Skills Week. Together, we awarded 578 training badges and qualifications, delivered more than 10,500 hours of training, and successfully ran one of the first RAF Air Cadets courses to deliver the new Gold Fieldcraft syllabus.

This photo captures only a small part of what has been achieved across the week. New skills have been learned, challenges overcome, friendships formed and memories made.

There is much more to share, and over the coming days and weeks we'll be highlighting the activities, achievements and people that made GMWSW26 such a success.

To every cadet and member of staff who took part, thank you for making it a week to remember.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets

29/05/2026

Welcome Sir! Congratulations on your appointment! 🫡👏

23/05/2026

GMW Skills Week!

It looks like our cadets are having a great time! 🥳

18/05/2026

Congratulations to Cpl Wakefield and Cpl Roberts!

Both cadets recently attended the Bronze Aviation Wings Course at RAF Leeming, where they put their skills and knowledge to the test throughout the course.

A fantastic achievement and another great example of the opportunities available within the RAFAC for cadets to learn, develop, and challenge themselves.

17/05/2026

617 getting trained up!

Three of our cadets successfully passed their L98 Initial Weapons Training after being put through their paces. Their focus, discipline, and determination really stood out throughout the course.

A fantastic achievement and another big step forward in their RAF Air Cadets journey. Well done to all involved 👏

13/05/2026

Sector 2 Training Weekend

This past weekend 7 of cadets attended the sector 2 training weekend.

Some great courses that saw our cadets gain leadership, shooting, first aid and road marching qualifications!

Well done to all!

02/05/2026

Part 2: Celebrating success and hard work!

A huge congratulations to all of our cadets who received awards and certificates at our First Class Presentation & Awards Evening. Each one represents commitment, progression, and determination.

From first class passes to special recognitions, we’re incredibly proud to see our cadets achieving their goals and pushing themselves further.

Keep striving, keep achieving, this is just the beginning! Part 3 to follow!

29/04/2026

Exciting session at 617!

We were pleased to welcome the Wing Drone Officer, who joined us to support cadets through the drone syllabus and provide expert guidance throughout the training.

Cadets had the opportunity to build their knowledge and gain confidence as they progressed through the course, working towards successfully completing their Flyer ID for drones.

A brilliant hands-on session with great engagement all round and a real step forward in cadet progression! 👏