Flying High with Soaring Ambitions

Alice recently sat down with her school, Bedford Girls School, to talk about her aviation ambitions and her aspirations for soaring high amongst the clouds. We share her story below.

What first inspired your interest in aviation?

My initial interest in aviation began at a young age through attending air shows and travelling on family holidays. I have always aspired to pursue an adventurous career that presents daily challenges and offers opportunities to travel around the world.

How did you begin flying at such a young age?

After receiving a trial flying lesson for my 14th birthday at Cranfield Flying School, I instantly knew that I wanted to continue down this path. It showed me just how much responsibility and situational awareness is needed to carry out a safe flight. This led me to get a membership for Cranfield Flying School in the Lower Sixth, in order to work towards my Private Pilot License (PPL). 

You recently completed work experience at RAF Waddington – what was this like and what did you learn from it?

During half term I spent four days at RAF Waddington. I got to see the daily operations of an active base, spent time with the RAF Police dogs and the RAF Fire section. I also got to see close up take-offs of F-18s and spent an afternoon with the RAF Aerobatic Team. This involved meeting the Red Arrow Team and learning how the team functions and trains on the Hawk T1. This was the most applicable part to me.

What has been the most memorable moment of your flying journey so far?

Throughout my flying lessons, learning to land a PA28 (which is a 4-seater plane) was definitely a highlight. The feeling of having complete control of an aeroplane over 1000ft above ground level is inspiring yet unbelievable. Going gliding for the first time at RAF Syerston with my school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), was another memorable experience. Flight without an engine is very peaceful and allows you to see 360° around due to the bubble canopy. 

How has being a part of the school’s CCF helped you?

Being part of the CCF has offered so many opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced. From going gliding for the first time to using air rifles and developing a range of core skills, the programme has provided me with multiple memorable moments over the past few years.

When completing my senior and master cadet classifications I explored a variety of topics that I wouldn’t typically have chosen to study. This included completing assessments in Air Navigation, Pilot Navigation, Air Power, Radios/Radar, Aircraft Handling and Rocketry. Several of these subjects helped my progression with my Private Pilot License (PPL), as the topics overlapped and complemented each other.

Other aspects of CCF have also enhanced my progression, especially the ground school as I knew the basic controls and etiquette of flight before my first flying lesson.

Taking part in competitions such as The Royal Air Squadron Trophy (RAST) broadened my understanding of historic aircraft as it took place at The Shuttleworth Collection.

The CCF allowed me to connect with active RAF bases and secured four days of hands-on work experience.

How do you balance your studies with your aviation training?

Balancing time around academics, sport, being in the CCF, and flying lessons has taught me to be organised in many ways. I make sure to prioritise my A-Levels over other hobbies and interests and organise other events around academic deadlines.

What skills have you developed through your experiences in aviation?

After completing my A-Levels I hope to pursue a career as a Commercial Airline Pilot through Skyborne Airline Academy, in which I will complete an Integrated ATPL. This would involve 28 weeks of ground school at Gloucestershire Airport, 28 weeks of fair weather flying at Vero Beach in Florida and 13 weeks of multi-crew training back in Gloucestershire. I aim to be a fully qualified commercial pilot by the age of 20.

And what advice would you give to any student who is thinking about following a different route after school?

No student will have the same path to success, enjoy the process and explore all of your options. There are many different routes available to reach the same career, so choose the one that suits you.

We’d like to wish Flight Sergeant Alice Lawson a safe flight always and the best of luck on her next adventure!