Air cadet beats rivals to land scholarship

Buy photos » Ian Halstead won an RAF Association flying scholarship. (s)

AN OUTSTANDING air cadet fought off fierce competition to win a national scholarship that will help him on the way to becoming a pilot.

Ian Halstead who is a member of the 233 (Pershore) ATC Squadron applied for an RAF Association's national flying scholarship and took fifth place meaning he now gets 12-hours flying time with the association.

The 19-year-old, who attends Prince Henry's High School, is looking to become a Royal Marines Officer followed by a career as a Marines Pilot and will use the flying hours he has won to help him gain his Private Pilot's Licence.

Ian’s Commanding Officer, Stephen Pritchett, recommended him for the scholarship.

"Cadet Sergeant Halstead is a high calibre cadet who is a credit to his unit, friends and family," he said.

"He constantly achieves above and beyond what might normally be expected of someone his age."

Former RAF Group Captain, Bob Hounslow, who is the director of membership and areas for the RAF Association was one of the selection panel judges in the competition.

He said: "I was extremely impressed by the standard of the 12 shortlisted candidates this year.

"They were all truly exceptional and a very talented group of young people, who should be very proud of their achievements.

"On behalf of everyone at the RAF Association I would like to thank all the cadets and their staff for taking the time to apply for our scholarships."

The cadets are due to be presented with their awards by the Air Member for Personnel and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Personnel, Air Marshal Andy Pulford at the RAF Association National Conference in Blackpool this May.

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