Cadet Corporal Hannah Jackson

Cadet Corporal Hannah Jackson a member of 1969 (Rossendale) Squadron Air Training Corps has become the first female cadet from the squadron to complete her Gliding Scholarship and the first cadet to fly "Solo" at 635 Volunteer Gliding School in 2010.

She flew solo at the end of January following a series of weekend training sessions at RAF Topcliffe in North Yorkshire. Corporal Jackson has been with the cadets since she was thirteen, during which time her interest in aviation has increased greatly, and after a three years of air experience flights and gliding induction courses it motivated her to apply for her scholarship as soon as she was old enough. What made it more of a special event for the squadron was that the pilot that sent her solo, Flight Lieutenant Andy Sweetmore RAF VR(T) form 635 Volunteer Gliding School now based at RAF Topcliffe, was himself an Air Cadet at 1969 (Rossendale) Squadron only seven years ago.

Corporal Jackson said flying solo "was the best feeling ever" and "would recommend it to any cadet who enjoyed flying."

Last year 1969 (Rossendale) Squadron, based on Burnley Road, was exceptionally successful with two cadets achieving gliding scholarships and further two achieving flying scholarships through the air cadet organization, Corporal Jacksons' scholarship has set the squadron to a good start to 2010.