AIR CADET STAFF MEMBER REWARDED FOR DETERMINATION

A member of staff with the Air Cadets in Sawston is celebrating after successfully completing his training to become a fully qualified Commercial Helicopter Pilot.

Civilian Instructor Chris Jestice (24) from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron was determined to fly having been unable to join the RAF as a pilot.  He decided to pursue a career in civilian aviation and followed his passion, choosing helicopters rather than a fixed wing aircraft.  After completing his initial flight training and ground school at Bristow Academy in Florida Chris went on to complete his training by completing a series of tough exams in the UK.

Chris first joined the Squadron aged 13 and took part in various activities such as target shooting, adventure training, first aid and of course flying and gliding.  Gliding was an area in which Chris excelled, going solo at 16 and going on to be a staff cadet at 616 Volunteer gliding Squadron based at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire.

Chris said “I’m really proud to have achieved my goal by becoming a commercial helicopter pilot.  Being in the Air Cadets inspired me to fly and the training I received helped give me the basic knowledge I needed to start flying along with developing my personal skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication.”

Flight Lieutenant Chris Cox added “Chris is an excellent illustration of what young people can achieve after being members of the Air Cadets, he is an example of determination showing that you should never give up on pursuing your dream.”

Chris will start his career in the commercial aviation world as a First Officer eventually working his way up to the rank of Captain.  In the meantime he continues to serve at 2461 (Sawston) Squadron as an instructor passing on his knowledge of flying and gliding by instructing on the Squadron’s state of the art flight simulator funded by the Big Lottery Fund.