October 2010
Glasgow teenager has the flight of a lifetime aboard RAF tutor
plane
Robert Gilmour from Glasgow won a dream flight
on a Grob 115 Tutor plane after his success on The Prince’s Trust
12 week Team programme.
Robert, sixteen from Govan, was selected for the flight because
of the hard work he showed during the programme at Anniesland
College. Lesley Hill, 17,and James Bain, 17 who took part in the
Team programme at John Wheatley College in the East End, were also
selected but unfortunately unable to take up the opportunity.
After a private tour of the Royal Air Force facilities at
Glasgow Airport, Flight Lieutenant Roger Moody gave Robert a
detailed explanation of the flight, which included an itinerary and
explanatory video. The teenager also had a safety briefing on the
use of his parachute before he climbed into the cockpit, dressed in
RAF attire.
He sat at the controls of the flight as the plane set off,
whilst under the expert eye of Squadron Leader Sue Freeman of the
Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron. The flight
covered the areas of Loch Lomond and the Lake Of Menteith in The
Trossachs.
Flying the plane is the best thing I have ever
done –it was the best day in my life. I want to Join the RAF. When
Sqn Ldr Freeman did a loop – my stomach flipped!
- Robert
Gilmour
The Prince’s Trust’s 12-week full-time personal development
programme is aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds who are not in employment,
further education or training. Participants complete a
community-based project, work experience, team building and
personal development initiatives.
The RAF fully supports the work of the Prince’s
Trust and is happy to provide this opportunity for these young
people to experience the thrill of flying in one our aircraft from
Glasgow Airport.
- Sqn Ldr
Freeman
This experience and The Prince’s Trust has
given Robert access to opportunities that might not have been
available to him and has given him focus and development for his
career.
- Susan Gallagher,
Prince’s Trust Team leader at Anniesland College