Harrier engine part used in new air cadet award
PART of the engine from a Harrier jump jet has been used to create a new award for the air cadets.
The Harrier Flying Award was presented to its first recipient – Noah Purdue – yesterday morning, at the 201 Overseas (Guernsey) Squadron’s annual parade and prizegiving at the airport.
Around 20 cadets marched in front of the terminal, then gathered at the Allied Air Crew Memorial. Squadron chaplain Dave Knight gave a sermon and then the prizegiving was held.
Contingent commander Flt Lt Brian Aplin said it was important to bring the squadron together for the parade.
‘This is our moment in the year when we remember we are one part of 1,000 squadrons, with 40,000 cadets,’ he said.
‘We are part of a bigger movement.’
The new award is part of an old Harrier aircraft compressor blade, from the engine intake. The titanium piece has been in the attic of former British test pilot Mike Snelling, who was keen to create an award to recognise a young person’s achievements with the cadets over the last year.
Noah, 17, said it was a privilege to become the award’s first recipient.
He has been a cadet for four years and for the last few years has been able to get the odd hour flying thanks to Christmas and birthday presents. But last year he was able to get a scholarship for two hours of flying, as well as some extra hours flying thanks to another bursary.
He said he really enjoyed being a cadet.
‘It’s a great experience and gives you the leadership and teamwork skills, which look good on your CV,’ he said.
He is hoping to one day become a pilot.
