On Saturday 19 th November, cadets and staff from 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn, travelled to the RAF Museum in Hendon to take part in the national finals of the ATC Aircraft Recognition competition. This was the fourth time in five years that a team from 487 had attended the Corps Finals. It was Sgt Robert Andrew's fifth time as an entrant in the Individual event.

The team comprised, Sgt Martin Kemp, Sgt Robert Andrew and Sgt Thomas Bell.

The trophies were presented by Gp Capt Hakin, Regional Commandant London & SE Region, who congratulated the team & Individual winners and commented upon the high standard and praised the efforts of all entrants.

Sgt Robert, 487 Sqn, was awarded the Spitfire Trophy as the Individual Open Age Champion, a hefty piece of silverware, although he was unable to bring home, to Birmingham, the valuable award, he was also presented with a beautiful print of a Spitfire, to keep as a permanent record of his achievement.

Flt Lt Brendan O'Neill, OC 487 Sqn, commented “Every year it gets better, a truly amazing achievement for one Sqn to get to the National Final so many times in the last few years, It takes a great deal of effort at Wing & Regional Training Days, beating all comers, to maintain the high standards. I would single out Sgt Robert Andrew, who is now officially the Corps top Plane Spotter, a big Well Done to him. A mention must also go to the other team members, Sgts Martin Kemp & Tom Bell, who have sustained their efforts of earlier years proving that they too are worthy of our regard, the whole Squadron is very proud of their successes”