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30th Jan 2013

Soaring To Greater Heights

A 134 (Bedford) Squadron cadet has been selected to be awarded the prestigious Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (GAPAN) Gliding Scholarship. Flight Sergeant Jonathan Bell (17 yrs) was one of four cadets in the Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing to be awarded this Scholarship. He has already gained his Silver Gliding Wings at 616 VGS, RAF Henlow and this Award will further hone his flying skills.

FS Bell, will undertake his gliding with the 4 Counties Gliding Club (4CGC) at RAF Wittering. which is part of the Royal Air Force Gliding and Soaring Association. Jonathan will undertake his 40 winch launches in an ASK 21, or other club glider. There is a good chance that this opportunity could lead to the award of the British Gliding Association Bronze “C” gliding qualification.

FS Bell is no stranger to the 4Counties Gliding Club. He has already flown with the club a number of times, through the Squadron’s group membership. A delighted FS Bell commented, “Being awarded the GAPAN scholarship was a real achievement for me. Also knowing that I was one of only four lucky cadets from within Beds & Cambs Wing, to gain this award is very encouraging. From the gliding I have done so far with 4CGC, I have discovered that it is somewhat different to flying an engine powered “glider” like the Vigilant, which I flew solo during the Summer of 2011. I look forward to developing my skills even further with the 4CGC, and again hope to fly solo.”

Mr Vladek Cirin, the Squadron’s Staff Officer (Air) said, “The award of this Gliding Scholarship is recognition of the tremendous contributions that FS Bell has made to the effectiveness of the Squadron and participation in a varied number of Wing, Regional and Corps/National events for the benefit of the Corps and the Light Blue Footprint. I know that FS Bell will grasp this opportunity with both hands and add further talents to an already impressive quiver.”