A technician from Moray has been chosen from hundreds of applicants to receive a flying scholarship from the RAF.
Tom Shaw will get 15 hours of flying training to get experience under his belt to help him get a light aircraft pilot’s licence.
The 22-year-old from Lossiemouth is one of just 30 serving RAF members of the junior ranks to be chosen from nearly 500 applicants.
Senior aircraftman Shaw initially applied to increase his knowledge of flying to help him in his role as an aircraft technician.
But not content with being qualified to get behind the controls of light planes he is already targeting training for his full private pilot’s licence.
SAC Shaw said: “I knew competition for the scheme was tough so I never imagined I’d be selected for it. I’m really amazed and I can’t wait to get started.”
The 22-year-old’s tuition in the Junior Rank Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JRPSS) will begin in April. Once the trainee pilots have completed the course they have the opportunity to apply for a scheme to unlock extra funding for more qualifications.
The training is sponsored by the RAF Charitable Trust to give aviation enthusiasts the chance to experience what it is like to pilot a plane – with 40 personnel already having taken part.
Project officer Flight Lieutenant Chris Hives said: “Since the JRPSS began we have already seen three scholars achieve their full private pilot’s licence, with many more completing their final steps. Nine personnel have been accepted at OASC (Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre) for commissioning and officer training.”