  Tuesday 17th January saw 2450 (Dudhope) Squadron undergoing their Annual Formal Inspection. The inspection was carried out by Sqn Ldr McAdam Depute OC South East Scotland Wing. Following his inspection of cadets he toured each of the squadron projects to see cadet activities. Starting with the radio project he moved through aircraft modelling and aircraft recognition, Cpl Donaldson explained details of the latest build project of a Typhoon diorama. Next stop was to the flight simulator where Cpl Hall explained cadets were practising flying over the north of Dundee. Cpl Acari explained about the flight simulator build project where cadets are building a model of an aircraft cockpit which will in future house the flight sim computer. Sgt Whyte led the presentation to the Sqn Ldr about their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition which they undertook in the Cairngorms.
Sqn Ldr McAdam was then shown rifle training with cadets receiving a lesson on fitting the sling to the rifle, following which there was a demonstration of Fieldcraft led by Sgt Petrie.
Following tea with the NCO's where Cpl Donaldson had baked a cake especially for the occasion which went down very well; Sqn Ldr McAdam was then shown a recruitment video which Sgt Strachan had put together with the aim of showing to prospective cadets in schools around Dundee.
The evening concluded with final parade and the presentation of new classification badges and a swimming certificate to cadets.
Picture on left shows Sqn Ldr McAdam inspecting cadets at the start of the evening and on the right Sgt Petrie showing a range of fiedcraft equipment.
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 Friday 23rd December marked the end of a significant 7 year cadet career for Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Zac Bruce. Having joined at the age of 13 he took advantage of all that the Air cadet Organisation has to offer including flying and gliding. Having excelled in many subjects he completed all the formal class teaching classification training reaching the grade of Staff Cadet. Added to this a natural air of authority he was to reach the highest rank available to any cadet in the organisation and with it considerable responsibility. During his time with the Air Cadets Zac was a qualified First Aider, he completed his Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award, attended several UK cadet camps including the first ever Machrihanish Camp in 2006 together with camps at RAFC Cranwell and overseas in Rheindahlen, Germany. He achieved Squadron Marksman award for target shooting. He also represented the Squadron at football and attended a ski course. Latterly he fronted the Wing and Corps Banner Team and took part in numerous prestigious events where the Banner was paraded. He was also fortunate to be chosen to attend the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) where he travelled to Ghana. Zac was also undertook the coveted role of Lord Lieutenants Cadet for the City of Dundee. His knowledge, skills and presence on the Squadron will indeed be sadly missed. He leaves us to continue his studies in Accountancy at Dundee University. We hope to welcome him back at some stage as a member of staff
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 Friday 9th December saw Sgt Harriet Gilzean reach the highest stage of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award with the presentation to her by OC 2450 (Dudhope) Sqn Flt Lt Turpie of her Gold Award. This marks the completion of over four years commitment and hard work through Bronze and Silver to the coveted Gold Award. The standard required to achieve this is extremely high to which few achieve and through the variety of physical, skill, volunteering, expedition and residential sections of each award individuals are challenged at every stage. Sgt Gilzean clearly showed she has the determination and energy to succeed in everything she does.
Friday evening also marked another significant stage in Sgt Gilzean's cadet career having reached the upper age limit for the organisation; it was her last night as a cadet.
Throughout her career as a cadet Sgt Gilzean took every opportunity open to her, in particular she regularly represented the Wing at Hockey, Netball, Athletics and Cross-Country Running events, achieved the highest award for marksmanship shooting with the Corps Marksmanship badge. She also completed a parachute course, a flying scholarship culminating in a solo flight, and attended numerous UK and overseas cadet camps. In addition she qualified first aider and won a place on the coveted IACE – the International Air Cadet Exchange where she travelled to the USA and finally was Lord Lieutenants Cadet for Dundee. Her current studies in Maths and Physics as a student at St. Andrews University will no doubt continue to keep her busy.
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 For several months Dudhope cadets have been planning and designing a build project for a flight simulator. Cadets have now started cutting out the wooden templates for the pilot seat. Attached is a picture of the flight sim build team with the cut-outs for the seat.
The team includes Cpl Acari, Cdts Stewart and Colville
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 On Saturday 28th May cadets Acari and Donaldson from the squadron braved high winds and squally showers at Barry Buddon for a day’s shooting with the L81A2 target rifle. The two cadets managed to improve their accuracy and scores throughout the day. For Cdt laura Acari it was also her first time shooting the L81A2 at Barry Buddon. Both cadets fired from both 300 and 500m. Both were well prepared for the conditions and enjoyed the day and are looking forward to the next range day at Barry. Picture shows Cdt Donaldson aiming for another shot on target,
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 Cadets from 2450 (Dudhope) Squadron travelled once again to TA Oliver Barracks indoor 25m firing range to fire the No.8 rifle and practice their marksmanship skills. There was a mixture of cadets some of whom had attended the previous weeks practice as well as those who had never fired before. Those who in the previous week had focused on their breathing had the opportunity to focus on other marksmanship principles to increase the accuracy of their shots. Further range evenings are planned so watch this space. Picture shows Cdt Jamie Scott and Cdt Jamie Whyman (nearest the camera) preparing to fire.
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  Sunday 22nd May saw cadets from 2450 (Dudhope) squadron travel to RAf Leuchars for the annual major competition day. This consists of the drill competition, modelling and aircraft recognition.
A full drill team of ten cadets took part and competed against nine other teams in the new wing; what they lacked in experience they made up for in determination and enthusiasm. The team scored well in the inspection and then went onto perform their drill display just as the heavens opened and with strong wind made the conditions particularly challenging.
The standard of drill was again extremely high and the squadron did extremely well to achieve as they did a creditable sixth place. All credit to the team and an excellent platform for the team to build on for next year.
The squadron also was presented with the wing efficiency trophy by Wing Commander McCrae. Picture on the right shows Wing Commander McCrae presenting the trophy to CWO Zac Bruce
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 Following on from the success of last year’s 25m indoor range evenings it was to the delight of cadets from the squadron to once again have the opportunity to put their recent weapon training skills on the No.8 rifle into practice on a squadron parade evening.
Six cadets attended the evening practice and following a review of all the marksmanship principles were then able to put them into practice firing at 25m. the No.8 rifle is an idea weapon for new cadets to fire as it only has a small ‘kick’ and also does not make a loud noise when fired. Cadets will always wear ear protection though. As the evening progressed there were some notable improvements in scores as cadets controlled their breathing and did not move around too much between shots. All agreed it was an excellent evening and looked forward to next week’s range evening.
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  On Sunday 15th May 10 cadets from the squadron travelled to RAF Leuchars to 12AF for an air experience flight.
Following a detailed safety briefing to ensure all the cadets are safe whilst in the air each one then donned a flying suit and helmet with radio so they can hear all the radio communications between the pilot and the air traffic control tower. Each cadet flew for around 25 minutes. They have the opportunity to talk to the pilot to gain a greater understanding of elementary flying in the single engined two-seater Grob Tutor aircraft. It is the same aircraft used by the RAF for all elementary flying training for new pilots.
Cadets also have the opportunity to do some aerobatics, if they choose to, and most do. It is clear they enjoy their flights by the size of the smile on their faces when they return.
It is great to see an apprehensive cadets go out into the aircraft a little unsure and then see them return smiling from ear to ear talking about how amazing the flight was. Its just another unique opportunity available to air cadets. Picture shows just four of the cadets eagerly awaiting their chance to fly.
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  On Tuesday 22nd March the squadron was inspected by the Regional Commandant for Scotland and Northern Ireland Group Captain Urquhart and Assistant Regional Commandant for Scotland and Northern Ireland Squadron Leader Carr. The inspection was undertaken as part of the Lees Trophy. Dudhope Squadron is currently the top squadron in Dundee and Central Scotland Wing and is now competing for top squadron in the Region.
During the evening Group Captain Urquhart inspected the cadets on parade and also reviewed project training currently undertaken in the squadron which included; flight simulator, modeling, squadron website, video project and newsletter. She also saw demonstration from cadets of sports, flight simulator project, No. 8 rifle training and mountain bike maintenance. Cadets displayed work and photos undertaken on projects such as adventure training, shooting, flying and gliding, flight sim build, tree planting and conservation, visits to Dundee Airport, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Aviation Studies and modeling together with RAF camp visits and International Air Cadet Exchange.
There were also video presentations on the squadron ski trip; Sgt Whyte and Sgt Moodie showed D of E expeditions and Sgt Strachan showed the squadron recruitment video.
Having then taken tea with the cadet NCO's Gp Capt Urquhart and Sqn Ldr Carr watched a display of Banner Drill led by CWO Bruce.
The evening concluded with Final Parade and an informal address where Gp Capt Urquhart praised all the cadets' for their efforts and achievements over the last year, she also thanked staff for their dedication and enthusiasm. We should know the results of the inspection by the end of April. Watch this space!
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