Helen Frawley, a sixth former at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, has been awarded the distinguished Geoffrey de Havilland Medal, named after the British aviation pioneer and aircraft engineer.
This is an award for excellence in all aspects of Air Cadet Training, commitment, achievements and services to the Section and is presented only to the top six cadets from RAF Sections across the UK.
Helen attended the awards presentation at the Old Warden Aerodrome near Bedford with the other medal winners, presided over by the Commandant of the Air Cadets. She then was given the unique opportunity of a flight in a Tiger Moth aircraft and was able to take control of the aircraft herself for some of the flight.
Helen said: “As one of only 3 cadets who got to fly in the Tiger Moth, I can tell you it was very exciting. What I wasn’t expecting was the pilot to actually let me fly it myself! The open air cockpit added to the thrill as I cruised over the Bedfordshire countryside; a once in a lifetime experience. This has meant so much to be presented with this award and I’m so grateful to the College for giving me all the opportunities that contributed to the nomination.”
