Alec Cottrell is an outstanding cadet from 2185 (Wareham) Squadron and has recently completed a competitive selection process for a place on a Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC) with the Air Cadets.

Widely acknowledged as academically demanding, the QAIC requires a huge level of commitment. Alec explained "Successful completion would mean that I am one of only a handful of cadets in the country with this qualification which will allow me to train and develop the next generation of Air Cadets in aerospace subjects."

The QAIC begins with a selection weekend, followed by a series of training weekends held at various Regional Activity Centres. The course culminates in a week-long graduation camp at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, with a series of syndicate presentations. In addition the cadets are expected to complete a series of command tasks, leadership training, study air traffic control, become familiar with light simulators and other forms of synthetic training. The cadets are also tasked with writing an essay on air power, as well as researching and completing a challenging 40 minute presentation on a range of air related topics.

The QAIC will present many challenges for Alec but also provide a great opportunity for personal development. We wish him all the very best for this demanding course.