1310 (Eryri) Sqn, Caernarfon are celebrating 16 year-old Cadet Corporal Nathan Burdett's Gliding Scholarship with 631 VGS, RAF Woodvale.

Cpl Burdett may hold the record for the length of time taken to complete the Scholarship; the course, booked for Saturdays started at the end of October 2009, but due to poor weather cancelling many of the training flights he was unable to complete the course, and launch and fly solo until 13th March, 2010!

Despite a 212 mile round trip for each journey to RAF Woodvale, Nathan is extremely proud to have completed the course successfully.

"I've had a fantastic time on the Scholarship, and some really excellent tuition from Flt Lt Dave Hale, really top class: said Nathan. "THere were also some memorable moments, like taking the controls for the first time."

The Scholarship was completed in a Grob Vigilant motorised glider; unlike the winch-launched Viking glider, further instruction is required in Air Traffic Control radio procedures and basic air law and airmanship. Other skills required are manouvering on the ground from and to taxiways and runways while being aware of other airfiled movements. Nathan then successfully completed a written examination before being cleared to fly solo.

On presenting Cpl Burdett with his Silver Wings, Flt Lt Roger Ellison, Chief Flying Instructor with 631 VGS said "I'm delighted that Nathan has finallly received his Wings. He's been really unfortunate with all the poor weather we've received here, and his dedication to complete the Scholarship, which has taken more than twice as long as it should have, has really paid off. He's been around for so long we'll miss him!"

"It's been a fantastic experience, and I'd recommend any cadet who gets the opportunity to do a GS to do it" said Nathan. "I was surprised to find how practice makes the task much easier; I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it, but now I'm hopeful I'll be able to try for an Air Cadet Pilot Scheme as soon as I'm 17."