Central & East Region is delighted to announce the appointment of Flying Officer Howard Jones to the role of Region Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) Officer.
Flying Officer Jones joined the Air Training Corps in 2016 as a Civilian Instructor at 29F (Rugby) Squadron, and was commissioned in 2018. He was in the Army Cadets when he was younger, followed by the University Officer Training Corps and Territorial Army.
Since he joined 29F, the Squadron have built their own flight simulator, are half-way through building a two-seater Skyranger aircraft, and have twice been Grand Finalists in the RAF Engineering Competition. He became Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing’s STEM Officer in 2019.
In addition to his 29F Squadron duties, Flying Officer Jones is a supernumerary officer with 633 Sqn (Astra Ground School). He is also an instructor on the National Air & Space Camp.
After completing a 30-year career in industry, mainly at Rolls-Royce PLC, Howard studied for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. He now helps at local schools as an A Level Physics teacher and enjoys any opportunity to get young people engaged in STEM topics and careers.
When not supporting RAF Air Cadet activities, Flying Officer Jones is very slowly renovating his 1963 Daimler Ferret armoured car – a fascinating piece of British 1950s engineering. He also holds a Private Pilot’s Licence for microlight aircraft, and took part in the annual Round-Britain-Rally on several occasions – although he now prefers to keep his feet firmly on the floor, flying flight simulators instead!
Commenting on his appointment, Flying Officer Jones said, “I am looking forward to working with the other Wing and Regional STEM Officers to share ideas about how we can engage our Air Cadets in exciting STEM challenges. Having had a very rewarding Engineering career myself, I am keen to help others see what opportunities there are, in what is becoming an even more important part of RAF and civilian life”.
Flight Lieutenant Lee Ison, Officer Commanding 29F (Rugby) Squadron, added “Since joining Rugby Squadron, Flying Officer Jones has developed our STEM training extensively. He has successfully guided our cadets to the finals of two engineering competitions and being involved in a build a plane project. Flying Officer Jones has a passion and enthusiasm with getting cadets involved in STEM, I have no doubt he will be an asset to the region team”.