CI James Wright

I joined 2262 (Bexhill on Sea) Squadron in June 1990 and remained there until November 1997. During that time I was promoted to the rank of corporal and achieved staff cadet classification.

During the half term holidays in the middle of my GCSE's in 1993 I was offered what was a Basic Glider Training Course at RAF West Malling. I went solo in a Viking glider on 4 th June 1993 at 13:56 hour in a flight lasting 6 minutes.

The following year I was invited back to 618 Gliding School to become a Flight Staff Cadet, where I remained for six months until the airfield was shut down and turned in to a golf course!

I became a Civilian Instructor on 8 th March 1998 at 340 (Edenbridge) Squadron, where I remained for three years. Again during this time I joined 614 VGS (MDP Wethersfield) as a civilian gliding instructor and 615 VGS (RAF Kenley). I was finally awarded and AGT status before having to resign from the school due to working commitments.

In 1997 and 1999 I applied to the RAF to join as NCO aircrew, hoping to specialise as an Air Loadmaster. Unfortunately this was not to be!

2001 saw me move to 129 (TDB) Squadron..Sorry that should have read Tunbridge Wells!

I have never looked back, and am very happy to serve with a fantastic group of enthusiastic and well qualified staff! Let alone the motivation and commitment of all our cadets!

So much so, that this will come as a shock to most of the cadets..As of this summer I hope to be back in uniform as an adult sergeant on my 8 th year as a CI!

If you haven't joined us already.Do it now without thinking twice about it...It will be some of the best times in your life!