Following a successful selection weekend back in September 2015, Cadet Flight Sergeant Kathryn Towell has successfully passed the Qualified Aerospace Instructor Course. This course provides aerospace enthusiasts with a unique qualification to operate the latest technology at the Regional Activity Centres and gives them an insight to working in the aviation industry, whether in civilian or military life.
The course involved seven weekends at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where cadets received training on Air Traffic Control, flight simulators, radio and communications, pilot studies, aerodynamics and instructional technique. This is run from ACO staff with 20 cadets being successfully selected for this year’s course. The candidates were also lucky enough to have visits from external trainers in Air Battle Management.
The course concluded with Graduation Week and involved an assessment, followed by visits to RAF Scampton, RAF Leaming and a syndicate presentation to Air Marshall Coville and Air Commodore cCafferty, Commandant Air Cadets. Kathryn’s syndicate topic was ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) presented before their final interview. After a very successful course it came to a conclusion with a Graduation Dinner in the Officers Mess at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
Flight Sergeant Towell said, ‘to even be considered for QAIC was a privilege and to then accomplish so much since has truly been an honour, and being the only current QAI in the Wing is a massive achievement in itself. Winning top syndicate was an added achievement and the opportunity to present our topic of ISTAR to Commandant Air Cadets and the Air Marshall was very inspiring. I look forward to using my skills within the Squadron, Wing and ACO as well as promote this course to my peers. I would certainly recommend this course to anyone with enthusiasm for aviation’.