Page 24 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

 CEY Wing ATC
FINN EARNS
HIS LIGHT
AIRCRAFT
PILOT’S
LICENCE
After a considerable amount of work, Cadet
Warrant Officer Finnley Sprakes has reached an
incredible milestone in his aviation journey by
achieving his Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL).
The journey to obtaining a LAPL is no easy
feat, requiring a minimum of 30 hours of flight
training, including supervised solo flights and
navigation practice. In addition, aspiring pilots
must pass 9 rigorous theoretical examinations
covering subjects such as Air Law, Navigation,
Meteorology, and Aircraft Technical Knowledge.
CWO Sprakes balanced this intensive process
alongside his commitments to 1324 Squadron,
and his important A Level studies.
The training pushed his limits, as he mastered
the complexities of piloting a light aircraft.
He began his training with a clear goal in
mind: to earn his wings and gain the skills
necessary to pilot an aircraft independently. He
spent countless weekends at AeroSchool Flight
Academy (located at Humberside International
Airport), practicing take-offs, landings, and
in-flight manoeuvres alongside radio and
theoretical procedures.
“Every flight has, and still, teaches me
something new.
“It’s a process of continuous learning and
improvement that I’m told never stops. There
were challenges and setbacks along the way,
but every moment in the cockpit made the effort
worthwhile.”
Now equipped with his LAPL, CWO Sprakes
has opened the door to endless possibilities.
He plans to use his licence to further develop
his skills and pursue his passion for aviation as
he gradually increases
the distance of his
excursions. His
achievement also
aligns with the
RAFAC’s mission
to inspire and
develop the next
generation of
aviators.
24 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025
MASONIC DINNER
AND PRESENTATION
On Monday, 2nd December, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith was
privileged to join the Masons of Hull for a special instalment ceremony and a very
enjoyable formal dinner.
At the conclusion of the evening, Squadron Leader Adrian Hayward RAFVR(T)
(Retired), former Officer Commanding 1324 Squadron, former Deputy Officer
Commanding Central & East Yorkshire Wing, and former 1324 Squadron Chair,
stood to make a generous donation of £500 to the squadron on behalf of the Hull
Masonic Lodge.
Flight Lieutenant Clifford-Roper-Smith accepted the donation and thanked the
lodge for a wonderful evening and their incredibly generous support.
“Our cadets are very passionate about music, and we recently revitalised our
squadron band. I know the cadets will be thrilled to learn of this donation and I
intend to use these funds to help nurture this passion. I trust that we may be able
to return in the near future and put on a show to demonstrate just how impactful
this has been. Thank you so much for your generosity and continued support for
youth organisations in the local area.”
National Award for Finn
During September 2024, Cadet Warrant Officer Finn Sprakes’ exceptional
service was recognised by the Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets.
In recognition of his immense personal achievements and the laudable
service rendered to 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron, including the
leadership of fundamental changes to the annual training programme, CWO
Sprakes was selected for recognition with the Commandant’s Certificate of
Good Service.
“This accolade is a rare award, reserved for only the most exceptional
cadets. Cadet Warrant Officer Sprakes is absolutely deserving of this award,
and he sets a very high bar for which junior cadets aspire to reach” said his
Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith.