A cadet from 111 (Sunderland) Squadron recently qualified through the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme by completing a solo flight.
Cadet Sergeant Gianluca Giordano, 18, completed the course following two weeks of intensive training at Tayside Aviation, Dundee.The course, which is free of charge through the Air Training Corps, prepares students for their solo flight which includes aircraft handling, air traffic control procedures and emergency drills. Cadets who complete the training and fly solo are awarded ‘wings’ to wear on their uniform.
Sergeant Giordano said: “This was an incredible experience, I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity especially as I wish to pursue an aviation career with the Royal Air Force.”
Flying opportunities are available to all ATC cadets from very early on in their cadet career, with 20 minute Air Experience Flights happening every month and the opportunity to apply for courses such as the Pilot Scheme and Navigation Scheme.
Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant James Yeo, said: “We are extremely proud of Sgt Giordano for completing this sought after scheme, it’s the first Pilot Scholarship the Squadron has seen in 15 years, hopefully the first of many more!”
Sgt Giordano added: “Now that I have completed the course, I hope that I can encourage other cadets to apply and overcome the unknown, I am also looking forward to instructing others in the Squadron Flight Simulator now I have the appropriate skills.”
© Durham/Northumberland Wing ATC & Crown Copyright 2016