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Air cadet in high spirits after becoming youngest Qualified Aerospace Instructor

Air cadet in high spirits after becoming youngest Qualified Aerospace Instructor

A King Edward’s School pupil has become one of the youngest cadets to complete the Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course.

Cadet Corporal Zain Aslam successfully completed the eight-month Royal Air Force Air Cadet’s premier aerospace course, which aims to provide cadets with the training and insight to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace.

Zain from 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, attended weekend training once a month at various RAF bases where he was instructed by experts in subjects including Air Traffic Control, Pilot Studies and Aerodynamics.

The Year 11 pupil successfully balanced his course commitments with studying for his GCSEs and participating in the school’s CCF (RAF) leadership.

On completing the course, Zain said: “I’m thankful for all of the teachers who supported me in getting this achievement. This will be highly beneficial for my career.”

During lockdown, Zain has initiated a virtual Aerospace Society for pupils to participate in at home. He has also started his own Instagram page, where he sets daily challenges for cadets all over the UK to get involved with.

Flight Lieutenant James Butler, who leads the CCF RAF section at KES, said: “He is a once in a generation CCF Cadet, lifting the aspirations and knowledge of our cadets and pupils to a truly professional level that always exceeds expectations.”

When the Squadron is reopened, Zain’s Squadron Commander in the Air Training Corps, Flt Lt Emma Hart RAFAC, will present him with his blue lanyard.

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