One of Ely's RAF Air Cadets has been on a nine-day training course to fly the Royal Air Force's Viking Gliders at RAF Syerston.  

Cadet Flight Sergeant Davis Russellcook has been an air cadet for four years since joining 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron based on the site of the former RAF Hospital in Heaton Drive in Ely.  

Davis has been studying aviation-related subjects as part of the 'air cadet progressive training syllabus'. 

The cadets learn a huge range of skills: from radios to radar, jet engines to rockets, and there's a lot to learn for those who want to be a pilot.  

Ely Standard: FS Russellcook and his flying instructor flying officer Heather Smith with a Viking Glider FS Russellcook and his flying instructor flying officer Heather Smith with a Viking Glider (Image: Ely's RAF Air Cadets)

Even the youngest new recruits learn about military radio procedures, principles of powered flight and gliding and all about the layout, markings and lights of an airfield. 

This is all before they take to the air for their first flying lesson with RAF instructors in the Royal Air Force's initial training aircraft The Grob Tutor, a two-seat, single-propeller light aircraft. 

Cadets are also taught on flight simulators to enhance the time they spend in the air.

Senior cadets over the age of 16 have the chance to attend further training and selection for 'air cadet pilot scheme scholarships'.

Ely Standard: Squadron leader Chris Moore presenting FS Russellcook his Wings badge and Solo Gliding Scholarship certificate Squadron leader Chris Moore presenting FS Russellcook his Wings badge and Solo Gliding Scholarship certificate (Image: Ely's RAF Air Cadets)

This is where they can qualify as solo pilots and fly on their own - even before they are old enough to drive.  

Flight Sergeant Russellcook said: "When I first joined the air cadets, it was always my ambition to learn to fly.

"But the way the air cadets prepares you, it's not just a pipe dream.

"It's all within your grasp, if you're determined and dedicated."

John Donoghue, Flight Lieutenant RAFAC and Officer Commanding 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron Air Training Corps, said: "Congratulations to Flight Sergeant Russellcook.

"And a huge thank you to all the dedicated and professional volunteers at 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at RAF Syerston who give up their time to fly junior cadets every weekend and who put so much effort into training young pilots like Davis."