International Air Cadet Exchange: An Opportunity You Won't Want to Miss!

Since 1946, an annual exchange for young aviation enthusiasts has been organized to promote international friendship among aviation enthusiasts and the various countries they come from. This exchange is known as the IACE International Air Cadet Exchange (https://www.iacea.com) and brings together no fewer than 23 different nations, including Switzerland!

The goal of this exchange is to bring together young aviation enthusiasts who, once gathered in their host country, have the opportunity to get to know one another, share their knowledge, and—most importantly—spend an unforgettable time together while discovering the aviation industry and the culture of that country.

As for me, I was selected to go to Germany! I spent two unforgettable weeks there, and I’d like to give you a brief summary of my experience. After flying from Switzerland to Germany in a Super Puma and joining my group of about twenty people from different countries, I had the chance to visit Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, and other iconic German cities.

Military bases opened their doors to us. We were able to tour maintenance facilities for Eurofighters and many other aircraft. We also spent our nights at these bases: it was actually quite comfortable.

For its part, Airbus gave us a tour of its final assembly facility for the A320 family as well as its helicopter maintenance training center (Airbus Eurocopter).

But what will remain etched in my memory forever are the magnificent German landscapes seen from the sky—because, yes, they let us fly. I logged my first flight hours in a two-seat glider, in a

a motor glider and a microlight. A low-altitude flight in a CH-53 and another flight in a C-160 were part of the program. Finally, I’d like to encourage young aviation enthusiasts to get more involved in this complex and fascinating world of aviation. Because as an 11-year-old model airplane builder, I was able to approach flying from a certain perspective, and now, as an 18-year-old student pilot, I’m lucky enough to see this world expand even further. The most important thing is to stay the course.

(Editor’s note: Stanislav is an automation technician apprentice at CPNV and aims to complete his education at the ZHAW engineering school by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics. This program could open the door to a career as a pilot...).

Boïko Stanislav