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Every cloud has a silver lining

On Saturday 8th March 2008 Cadet Scott Pickering 16yrs started his Gliding Scholarship at RAF Henlow with 616 Volunteer Gliding Squadron. He was to attend every Saturday and Sunday for the next eight weeks.

During this time he learnt to control and fly the Vigilant motorised glider, undertaking skills including take off and landing, engine failures after take off, circuits, handling the controls and also cleaning and refueling the glider.

On Sunday 27th April having completed 9hrs 40mins flying time he undertook his pre solo and then his solo flight which enabled him to receive the prestigious Silver Wings award from Flt Lt P Harborne.

Cadet Pickering said “One of the best experiences I have had the opportunity to take part in since joining the Air Cadets 4yrs ago, and to think that I have achieved flying solo before I can drive a car on the road.”