Display pilot shares experience with cadets
Ref shs cadets 3 CP - Credit: Archant
A former air cadet told young members from Sidmouth and Honiton squadrons how pursuing his dreams led to his most incredible year as the RAF’s Typhoon display pilot.
29 Squadron display team brochure photo shoot. Portrait photo of Flt Lt Jonny Dowen, 29 Sqn display Pilot. Photo By:- SAC Megan Woodhouse(RAF) For further information contact RAF Coningsby Photographic Section: Photographic Section RAF Coningsby Lincs LN4 4SY Tel: 01526 347386 - Credit: SAC Megan Woodhouse (RAF)
Flight Lieutenant Jonathan Dowen, a former member of 1064 Honiton Squadron, led a question and answer session about his career at a special meeting in Sidmouth last Thursday, October 29.
The pilot was the subject of a BBC Two documentary which aired on Sunday.
Flt Lt Dowen said: “If you want to go for it, put your heart it in and learn as much about the service you want to go into and what its ethos is.”
The 29-year-old loved flying from a young age and was given a sixth form scholarship by the RAF after completing his A-levels.
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He said: “It’s about being in the right time, right place and putting yourself in the position to do it when the opportunity comes round.”
Sidmouth cadet Hamish Hunter, 16, said: “It was quite interesting to listen to. I definitely think he is a good role model.”
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Flt Lt Dowen has teamed up with the Sid Valley Rotary Club for a series of events throughout the year.
Martin Saunders, president of the club, presented a cheque for £150 to Warrant Officer Tony Preston for the 2019 Sidmouth Squadron to spend on equipment.
Mr Saunders said: “We asked for your help for our summer fair and you responded. A team of you came at 7am to set up and at 4pm to put it away and we appreciated that contribution. I think Flt Lt Dowen would be proud; you are a credit to the Royal Air Force and we wanted to say thank-you.”
