Soaring Beyond Limits: Middlesex & NW London ACF Cadets Take the Leap

When eight members of Middlesex & NW London Army Cadet Force (ACF) travelled to Netheravon for a static line parachute course in March 2025, they weren’t just ticking off a bucket-list adventure… They were stepping into an experience that would challenge them in unexpected ways. With a grant from ACCT UK, which part-funded the trip, the group discovered just how much they could achieve when facing a leap into the unknown.

For Cadet Sergeant Marina Erturk of 214 Finchley Detachment, the experience began with a mixture of excitement and nerves as the group travelled from Edgware to Netheravon. The anticipation was palpable. “We set off from Edgware in a minibus, full of excitement and nerves, heading to Netheravon. After a long journey, we arrived late in the evening and went straight to bed, knowing we had a full day of training ahead of us.”

That sense of anticipation is common among cadets facing something entirely new. For many, the prospect of jumping from a plane at 4,000 feet is both exhilarating and daunting. Yet, it is precisely this challenge that makes the opportunity so transformative.

The following day was dedicated to intensive training. The cadets learned every step required for a safe and successful jump: from body position and canopy checks to emergency procedures and landing techniques. Their instructor’s patience and clarity ensured everyone felt prepared.

The training culminated in a written test, which all cadets passed — a testament to their focus and determination. The sense of achievement was immediate and infectious, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

That evening, the group celebrated their success in a moment of camaraderie and relaxation before the big day. Cdt Sgt Erturk tells us, “To celebrate, we went for fish and chips on Bournemouth beach and even dipped our toes in the freezing water. That night, we struggled to sleep because we were buzzing with anticipation for the jump.”

Shared experiences like this, outside the training environment, are vital for building trust and friendship among cadets, reinforcing a sense of belonging.

The morning of the jump was filled with nervous energy. After a quick refresher, the cadets donned their flight suits, parachutes, and helmets. As they climbed aboard the aircraft, the reality of what they were about to do set in. “Inside, we were packed together like sardines as the aircraft climbed to 4,000 feet. When the door opened, the view was breathtaking. Before I had time to overthink it, I was ushered to the door and jumped. The rush of adrenaline was like nothing I had ever experienced, and the feeling of falling before the parachute deployed was unreal.”

For Cdt Sgt Erturk, being the first to jump was both a challenge and a privilege. Watching her fellow cadets land safely, she felt a surge of pride, not just in herself, but in the whole team.

After landing, the group reviewed footage of their jumps with their instructor. “It was hilarious seeing the faces we had made mid-air, and we all had a good laugh”, says Cdt Sgt Erturk. The group’s enthusiasm was so high, they decided to jump again — this time, with even greater anticipation.

They also took time to enjoy Netheravon’s famous cheese toasties, a small but memorable detail that added to the sense of adventure.

As the weekend drew to a close, the cadets returned home exhausted but elated. For some, the experience was life-changing…

Thanks to ACCT UK’s support, these cadets and volunteers were able to challenge themselves, support one another, and discover new strengths. The static line parachute course was more than just an adventure. It was a powerful lesson in courage, teamwork, and self-belief. Experiences like these are at the heart of what ACCT UK strive to provide: opportunities that help young people soar beyond their limits.