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.

Sidmouth Herald: 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 34738629 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 (Image: © UK MOD Crown Copyright 2015 This image may not be used, reproduced or transmitted without first obtaining a copyright licence)

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.

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.”

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.”