Page 32 - Cadet Review Spring 2023

AIR CADETS
CEY Wing ATC
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR PHOEBE
Nothing is holding back CWO Phoebe Buckley now, who has successfully completed her Private Pilot’s Licence over the summer meaning she can take to the skies on her own with family and friends to enjoy the thrill of aviation!
To gain her Private Pilot’s Licence, she spent 45 hours airborne learning how to fly whilst passing 9 theory exams on subjects as varied as weather and principles of flight, and how the engine and various systems on the aircraft function. This culminated in her successfully completing a cross country flight from Beverley to Nottingham, to Sherburn and then to Beverley – all on her own; to prove her knowledge and skill!
Phoebe, 18, has always had a passion for aviation and has always taken any opportunity to get airborne. This started with learning to fly a glider; going
solo aged just 14 at her local club and gaining the confidence to be responsible for flying alone. She was successful in being selected for the prestigious Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, and in December 2021 attended Tayside Aviation in Dundee for a fortnight, where she gained her first powered solo – and
I have had the most incredible summer, and I cannot believe I can nowsayIam a qualified powered pilot!
realised that a life in the sky was what she wanted. This inspired her to apply for the Honourable
Company of Air Pilot’s scholarship, where she
was successful in gaining one of only a handful of scholarships. They kindly sponsored her to achieve her PPL to allow Phoebe to realise her dreams of a career in the sky.
Speaking about her PPL experience, Phoebe
said: “I have had the most incredible summer, and I cannot believe I can now say I am a qualified powered pilot! I certainly cannot stop smiling, and I’ve had
the most wonderful experiences as I did my training this summer. Flying alongside Doncaster Sheffield airport, and looking below to see a 737 taxiing on the runway was a feeling like no other. I am so grateful to all those that have supported me: my family, friends, BALPA and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and everyone else that has helped me along the way”.
We look forward to seeing more flying from Phoebe – she has already headed back to Dundee to carry on her flight training to gain her commercial licence, to further her career in the skies.
32 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2023