Whilst at school I was fortunate enough to be a member of its RAF Combined Cadet Force for 5 years. During that time I was fortunate enough to be taught many new skills, which I would later use when mountaineering, and in other walks of life, such as leadership, teamwork and planning. Being in the RAF section presented the unique opportunity to learn how to fly gliders and single engine aircraft.
When I was 16, I was awarded a gliding scholarship by the RAF. I stayed at an RAF base for 8 days and was taught how to fly gliders. The program ended with me successfully flying a glider solo.
During my first A-level year, I was selected for an RAF flying scholarship programme in Dundee, Scotland. During the two-week course, I was fortunate to learn from amazing people how to fly a Grob G115 aircraft. After 10 hours of training, I was allowed to fly solo. Taking off, flying and landing the aircraft as a solo pilot was one of the most incredible, yet challenging experiences I have ever had
