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A top group of Air Cadets have graduated as Qualified Aerospace Instructors at RAF Cranwell.
A total of 36 cadets graduated from No 10 Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course, celebrating with a graduation dinner at York House Officers’ Mess.
The guests paused for a photo before the dinner commenced
Among the graduating cadets was Cdt FS Chad Dodsworth from 457 (Farnborough) Squadron. He won the prestigious Pooley Sword, awarded to the best cadet from the course.
He said: “It was an amazing surprise, I did not expect it at all.
“It’s a very prestigious course and to be named the best cadet doesn’t quite feel real!”
Cadet FS Dodsworth (L) receiving his prize. He also won the award for best Air Power essay.
The course, known as QAIC, provides specialist aerospace training whilst developing senior cadets as instructors. These cadets go on to help across their Wing, Region, and at major events like the National Aerospace Camp.
Amongst the guests at the graduation dinner was Wg Cdr Grant Kearns, 2FTS Aerospace Officer, and Wg Cdr Mark Brayford, Camp Commandant for the National Aerospace Camp.
Wg Cdr Kearns congratulated the newly graduated QAIs on Twitter, describing the graduation dinner as “outstanding”.
QAI Cadets from this year and from previous courses will form an important part of the RAF100 National Aerospace Camp team. They use their specialist skills to help staff instructors deliver training at RAF Syerston and on visits around the country.
FS Dodsworth said he and his fellow QAIs were “absolutely” looking forward to getting involved with the camp.
The National Aerospace Camp is the RAF Air Cadet’s premier aerospace opportunity. The camp this year celebrates the centenary of the RAF, with around 500 cadets travelling from across the country at the end of August for the camp.
All photos courtesy of Sqn Ldr Philip Jones.