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QUALIFIED
AEROSPACE
INSTRUCTOR
During the first week of April, Cadet Flight Sergeant Finn Sprakes completed the final, gruelling assessment of the Qualified Aerospace Instructor’s Course. He graduated as a member of the best team and received his blue lanyard, signifying his instructional qualification.
Finn had the incredible opportunity to partake in the 16th Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC). After 7 months of hard work and tight deadlines, they embarked on the final graduation week at RAF Wittering.
“The first two days were intense to say the least, as we were tested in every element of the course syllabus, with exams in Air Traffic Management, Flight Training, Aerodynamics, Air Power, Cyber, Instructional Techniques and Presentational Skills.”
After this rigorous start to the week, they were fortunate to be given a tour of the incredible Rolls-Royce facility in Derby. There they learned about the history of Rolls-Royce’s significant contributions to aviation together with the future of their cutting-edge technology.
That evening, they held the graduation dinner, a night the course members will never forget.
“We ate together as a course along with prestigious guests from all backgrounds and experiences within aviation – a great opportunity and very special evening. As the awards were handed out, I was immensely touched to receive the Top Syndicate award along with my fellow team members. After getting to know each other for the past 7 months while working hard from opposite ends of the country to produce the best quality of work and support each other, I am sure I have made friends for life.”
Finally, to wrap up this exceptional week, the course members were presented with their lanyards and patches for their uniforms by Air Marshal Philip Sturley – a hugely proud moment for Finn.
“My experience on the course has come with many highs,
but also a lot of hard work
and determination. The opportunities and new
skillset I leave with is unlike anything I could have expected to receive upon applying last year and I feel hugely grateful for the opportunity to partake in such a prestigious course offered by
the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.”
Finn now wears his blue lanyard, also displaying his civilian wings for
the first time since the completion of his first solo flight in a powered aircraft
NATIONAL
Emily with her national award
AWARD FOR
EMILY
1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron is delighted to announce that Cadet Flight Sergeant Emily Edmiston has been acknowledged by the Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets, Air Commodore Tony Keeling with the award of a Certificate of Good Service.
Emily was nominated for the award based on her commitment to, and achievement within, the RAF Air Cadets, but also the various activities she undertakes outside of the organisation, such as supporting Girl Guiding and the Queen’s Guide Award, together with volunteering on an oncology ward.
Officer Commanding 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith said of Emily’s award, “Emily is a young adult who never ceases to impress. In many ways, she could be a fully- fledged member of my staff team, and no one would notice, if not for her cadet uniform. She has been a key part of my squadron leadership team for the better part of a year and has helped us achieve some great milestones. What’s more, she juggles all this with voluntary work outside of this organisation, which is significant considering her full-time study commitments. We’re very lucky to have such a capable individual on the team and I’m thrilled that the Commandant has recognised this too.”
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