Flying solo is no problem for 2438's CWO James Parker. Having gained his Glider Pilot Wings James also passed his Grade One status allowing him to not only fly the glider as a solo pilot but also captain the glider and instruct air cadets on how to fly the aircraft.

James has always had the bug for flying and to help with his passion he joined 2438 Squadron Air Training Corps based at Bishop Ullathorne School in Coventry where he is currently a Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest cadet rank available.

Back in 2003 James had his first flight as a cadet in the Grob Tutor and he seized every opportunity to go flying until he was eligible for his gliding scholarship at the age of 16.

The gliding scholarship was not plane sailing as James found out. Having battled through poor weather, passed advanced glider training and taken 2 extensive flying tests and spending 2 years moving up the ranks at 637 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) based at RAF Little Rissington, James was able to gain his Glider Pilot Wings and put his nominated call sign Alpha Charlie Whiskey 731 to good use.

James Parker said, "It is a huge achievement gaining my Grade One Status. This is the culmination of much hard work and dedication. I hope that the Cadets that I teach learn but most of all enjoy the flight. I strongly encourage all cadets to go forward put their name down for any flying or gliding available and most definitely apply for their Gliding Scholarship.

light Lieutenant Nathan Adams, Officer Commanding 2438 Bishop Ullathorne Squadron ATC said: 'James' achievement is one that is matched by only a handful of his peers around the country. It is unique for 2438 Squadron and his example is a role model to all young men and women as to what is achievable within the Air Training Corps. '