A SENIOR air cadet from Burley-in-Wharfedale has become a qualified aerospace instructor after completing a demanding course.

Cadet Warrant Officer Callum Parker is now the first member of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron to be authorised to wear the coveted blue lanyard.

The Air Cadet Qualified Aerospace Instructor course consists of a selection weekend, six training weekends and a week-long assessment and graduation week ­— the course requires a huge amount of dedication and commitment.

An extensive list of subjects is covered, including air power, aerodynamics, flight simulation, air traffic control simulation, pilot studies, leadership and teamwork, as well as instructional technique.

The vast knowledge in aerospace disciplines was assessed through multiple exams, a 1,500 word essay and a challenging 40-minute presentation.

CWO Parker attended a selection weekend, at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, at the beginning of September.

The selection weekend tested the cadets’ skills, before whittling the shortlist from 30 applicants to 20.

After being successfully selected, the real work was about to begin ­— CWO Parker started Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course 7 in the last weekend of September.

After seven months of hard work, the course culminated in the graduation week, at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, where the course was held.

Starting on Friday, March 27, graduation week began with a weekend of assessments.

Each syndicate delivered their 40-minute presentation to an audience comprising senior military commanders, along with industry executives.

Following the last presentation, the cadets were presented with their certificates.

On the final morning of graduation week, the cadets were individually debriefed on their performance and presented with the coveted blue lanyard, which signified them as an Air Cadet Qualified Aerospace Instructor.

CWO Parker passed the course and is the first person from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron to have achieved this.