Post by nzompilot on Jan 20, 2009 16:58:54 GMT 12
While most teenagers are out enjoying the sun, Shannon Duggan spends every day flying high.
Cadet flight sergeant Duggan is one of 35 cadets on the Air Training Corps powered flight course held annually at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
The 17-year-old joined the Air Training Corps when she was 13 to meet people when she moved to Blenheim from Cheviot.
"It was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Ever since, she aimed to be selected for the powered flight course. The passionate aviator is the only person from Marlborough on the course.
Air Training Corps of New Zealand South Island vice-president Brian Roberts said the cadets were split into seven syndicates of five for two weeks.
Each group was teamed with an instructor, who would teach them everything they needed to know with the aim of getting all 35 cadets flying solo before the end of the course. They all lived on the base for the duration of the course.
Miss Duggan said she loved everything about planes.
"The freedom and control are amazing."
A bucket of water is traditionally thrown over cadets once they get their feet back on the ground after their first solo flight. Mr Roberts said Miss Duggan was on track to qualify for a dunking very soon.
Later this year, Miss Duggan will head to Europe, before joining either the New Zealand or Australian Air Force, with the dream of becoming a pilot.
The course is run by the Air Training Corps Organisation, the Airforce and Cadet Forces, and runs alongside a Navigation course which has 18 cadets, including cadet Corporal Josh Williams, of Blenheim.
Mr Roberts said the courses were aimed at encouraging young people to get involved in aviation. Both courses will finish on Friday.
Source:www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4824453a6563.html
Cadet flight sergeant Duggan is one of 35 cadets on the Air Training Corps powered flight course held annually at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
The 17-year-old joined the Air Training Corps when she was 13 to meet people when she moved to Blenheim from Cheviot.
"It was one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Ever since, she aimed to be selected for the powered flight course. The passionate aviator is the only person from Marlborough on the course.
Air Training Corps of New Zealand South Island vice-president Brian Roberts said the cadets were split into seven syndicates of five for two weeks.
Each group was teamed with an instructor, who would teach them everything they needed to know with the aim of getting all 35 cadets flying solo before the end of the course. They all lived on the base for the duration of the course.
Miss Duggan said she loved everything about planes.
"The freedom and control are amazing."
A bucket of water is traditionally thrown over cadets once they get their feet back on the ground after their first solo flight. Mr Roberts said Miss Duggan was on track to qualify for a dunking very soon.
Later this year, Miss Duggan will head to Europe, before joining either the New Zealand or Australian Air Force, with the dream of becoming a pilot.
The course is run by the Air Training Corps Organisation, the Airforce and Cadet Forces, and runs alongside a Navigation course which has 18 cadets, including cadet Corporal Josh Williams, of Blenheim.
Mr Roberts said the courses were aimed at encouraging young people to get involved in aviation. Both courses will finish on Friday.
Source:www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4824453a6563.html
