Wings for Alex
2009-06-07
2458 (Shipley & Baildon) Squadron of the Air Cadets is flying high when Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Blaikie was awarded his wings for completing the Air Training Corps Gliding Scholarship.
On Easter Monday, a cold morning but a clear sky, Instructor Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Blaikie climbed into the cockpit of a Vigilant glider to fly his first solo circuit. After doing this he achieved the prestigious award of Silver Wings.
Alex has spent many weekends at 642 Vigilant Gliding Squadron, located at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, to complete his Gliding Scholarship. The GS Scheme is available to all cadets over 16 who show a key interest in flying and would like to learn how to do so. After showing good competence with flying skills and the right attitude, Alex was given the okay to do his first ever Solo circuit.
Alex said "The course was fantastic! The staff and instructors were great and I really enjoyed every minute of it. But the first time you find yourself in the cockpit without another pilot is quite a daunting feeling but a great sense of excitement takes away any fears you had!"
But what does it take to get to Solo standard? Alex answers "You have just got to give it your all, read the books, study the procedures and listen to the staff. After you have mastered that its just down to concentration and confidence - you know when you are ready then." And he added, “The weather was great, the instructors were really helpful and it just made an enjoyable experience even more rewarding. I recommend anyone with an interest in flying to undertake the GS"
Alex’s father, Squadron Leader Andy Blaikie, looked on in pride and with fond memories from when he was Alex’s age and also completed the Gliding Scholarship.
Anyone interested in joining the Air Cadets, please contact us on 01274 530099 on a Monday or Friday night 7pm-9pm or visit www.2458@atc.co.uk
<-
back |
