Flying Officer Jim Vousden RAF VR(T)

I joined 129 (Royal Tunbridge Wells) Squadron in June 1989 and remained with the Squadron until September 1994. During that time I was promoted to the rank of flight sergeant and achieved staff cadet classification. I played the bugle, was lead drummer and Drum Major in the Squadron band. I also took the Squadron drill team to the wing finals two years in a row and played in the wing band. Other highlights include 6 annual camps, over 100 public band displays, over 20 flights (Chipmunk, Bulldog, Viking, Sea King, Commando, Wessex, Puma, Chinook, Hercules, Gazelle and Tri Star). Wing and Region blues and much much more...

I left the Sqn in 94 to Study Aerospace Engineering at Farnborough and the RMCS Shrivernham. I continued my military interest for three years in the TA with 227 Sqn Royal Engineers and as an Officer Cadet in Oxford University Officer Training Corps.

I returned to 129 Squadron in 1999 as a CI and applied for my commission. I was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in April 2000 and promoted to Flying Officer in 2002. I have been at the Squadron since 1999 except for 6 months when I was the caretaker CO at 2520 Tonbridge Squadron.

My current duties are 2 IC of the Squadron, Adventure Training Officer, Band Officer and Summer Camp Organiser. I am a qualified Basic Expedition Leader, First Aider, Obstacle Course Instructor, I have my food Hygiene certificate and have completed my Summer Mountain Leaders Training.

All time favourite...

Film : A Bridge to Far

Aircraft : General Electric Lightning F3

Band : Jamiroquai

Car : Land rover 110 Tomb Raider

Outdoor Kit : Scarpa Delta SL Boots

Interesting Fact : If the average human were to constantly pass wind for 6 ½ years they would release the same amount of energy as the Nuclear Bomb dropped on Hiroshima.