We bid Bon Voyage to the “Two Harrys”
After completion of their two years training at RAF Cosford we bid bon voyage to the “Two Harrys”, Harry Cost and Harry McBride who joined us on the MEF gliding bursary programme in early 2024.
Both started their gliding journeys courtesy of the continued support and generous funding from the RAF Central Fund, through RSGC’s Mechanics’ Endowment Fund (MEF) gliding bursary programme and they are just two of over 100 students who have been through the programmes, many of whom will go on to fly at their new stations.
For a £30 contribution from the individual, who may be of any rank attending a Phase 1 or Phase 2 course at RAF Cosford or RAF Shawbury, the MEF programme delivers:
• 9 training flights (launch to 2000ft, maximum time 30 minutes)
• 1 aerobatics experience flight (launch to 4000ft, maximum time 30 minutes)
• 60 minutes of continuation flying training in one of our a motor gliders
• Simulated gliding lessons on RSGC’s simulator
Those who wish to take their flying to the next stage can than take advantage of the RAFGSA Go Solo scheme which is just what our two Harrys did.
Teamwork. 1st solo completed, AR Harry Cost helps to launch AR Harry McBride for his 1st solo flight.
Great ambassadors for the RAF, it is also to their great credit that they gave up their off-duty time to assist the club with other activities
At their graduation on Friday, Harry Cost won the Mechanical Silver Award for achieving the highest overall exam marks whilst in training at RAF Cosford, no mean achievement given the considerable number of exams taken during training.
The Two Harrys leave up on posting to Coningsby and aim to continue their gliding journey with the RAF Cranwell GC. Good luck lads and we wish you well in your chosen career.
Also completing his training was Oliver, another of our MEF gliding bursary students, and he is posted to Waddington. Oliver was awarded the Mechanical Typhoon Trophy. Not awarded on every course, the trophy goes to the best overall AR of their course during their time at RAF Cosford. Top job Oliver and we wish you well
Many congratulations to you all and good luck in your chosen career.
As an anecdote, the two Harrys and Oliver completed the gas turbines module of their training under the instruction of club member and tug pilot John Pickard. John is particularly keen to ensure that students follow protocols and procedures and fully understand the consequences of not doing so in what can be a hazardous working environment.
