News
June 26th 2020
AIR CADET WINS TWO TOP AWARDS
Cadet Flight Sergeant Ben Hunter (third from right) receiving his award at the House of Lords with fellow winners.
Air Cadet Flight Sergeant Benjamin Hunter, 1 Flight (City of Leicester) Squadron, has had a year to remember, winning two prestigious awards. As part of Armed Forces Week, we are celebrating the achievements of Cadets in our region.
Air Cadet Ben Hunter had an amazing year, winning both a Sir Michael Knight pilot award and a place in the final of the CVQO Westminster award.
Ben with his CVQO Westminster Award at the House Of Lords
Ben explained: “I was very privileged to be one of only 10 Cadets in the UK to be awarded a Sir Michael Knight pilot scholarship by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. I took part in a six week residential course in Dundee as part of the scholarship. It included 33 hours of training, as well as sitting all exams and a skills test, for the award of a Private Pilot’s Licence. As an aspiring pilot, this was a fantastic opportunity to get my foot onto the career ladder. It also helped overcome some of the initial financial barriers associated with flight training.
“I was incredibly fortunate to also gain a place in the final of the CVQO Westminster award, where the prize was a trip to South Africa. The trip was life changing, fun and emotional all at the same time. I got to meet children from some very poor communities. We talked about the importance of stopping rhino poaching, as well as taking part in conservation work. I also took part in a game drive and swam in the Kosi Bay lake system. I saw some of the most amazing sights in the world, sharing it with people who will be friends for life. It was an experience that changed my outlook on life. It reminded me to enjoy the time I have with people and treasure the things and environment I have around me.
Being a Cadet allows you to be the best version of yourself
“To any aspiring pilots, I’d say just go for it! Being a Cadet allows you to be the best version of yourself, take every opportunity that is thrown your way. You never know where it could take you!” commented Ben.
The CVQO Westminster award recognises Cadets who have gone above and beyond. They might have overcome adversity, put others and community before themselves or shown themselves to be outstanding Cadets and citizens. The award includes a rigorous selection process, where the final 40 are required to attend a 4 day selection event. It is just one of the qualifications you can gain during your time in Cadets.
Air Cadet Hunter
If you’d like to find out more about being an Air Training Corps Cadet, read more here.
“As an aspiring pilot, this was a fantastic opportunity to get my foot onto the career ladder and overcome some of the initial financial barriers associated with flight training,” Ben Hunter.
