Michael soars after scooping flying award

An Air Cadet officer from 817 (Lisburn) Squadron is flying high after winning a coveted national award for his

outstanding ability as a pilot.

Michael Jennings, 19, from Drumbo, has been awarded the 2014 Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Trophy for Flying Excellence.

Since it was established in January 2005, the RAF Charitable Trust has awarded over £2.5 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets.

The trophy is awarded annually by the trust to the top-performing Air Cadet who, in the opinion of the Air Cadet Organisation, has shown both outstanding flying ability and personal qualities.

Michael’s aim now is to become an instructor at the gliding squadron at Newtownards, and to complete his private pilot’s licence.

A cadet warrant officer with 817 (Lisburn) Sqn and 664 Volunteer Gliding Sqn, Michael is studying Electronic Engineering at the University of Ulster.

He will be presented with his award by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust, at a reception before the Royal Air Force in Concert performance at the Cadogan Hall in London in December.

Michael said: “I had my first flight with the ACO in 2009, flying the Vigilant motor glider as part of the Gliding Induction Course.

“I completed my Gliding Scholarship when I was 16, achieving my silver wings after eight hours flying and a solo flight.

“The VGS then offered me a place as a Flight Staff Cadet , which allows you to continue training towards being a gliding instructor.”

“In May 2013 I took part in the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, a two-week course flying the Grob Heron (a civilian tutor), and I currently have 46 hours flying experience in the Vigilant, 13 hours in the Grob Heron and three hours in the Grob Tutor.

“If it wasn’t for the ACO, I would have never been able to start my flying career.

“I would like to thank the officer commanding 664 VGS, Sqn Ldr Ian Campbell, for nominating me for this award and giving me the chance to be an FSC, and to thank all the staff of 664 VGS for teaching me to fly and being patient when I have an off-day.”

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