PRESS RELEASE 

GLASGOW AIR CADET FLYING HIGH 

CADET Flight Sergeant Robert Hastie from 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron has been awarded a Gliding Scholarship by the Air Cadets. 

The Scholarship consisted of a 5 day course at RAF Kirknewton near Edinburgh of around 40 flights in a “Viking” Glider. There, he was taught how to take off, control the glider in a circuit and then land safely. Completely free of charge, the course is available to all cadets over the age of 16 who are physically fit, that’s before they are old enough to drive a car! 

Flight Sergeant Hastie (19) is following in the footsteps of his older sister Paula Marie Hastie (23) who went one better during her time in the squadron, achieving Advanced Glider Training. Their younger brother Dominic Hastie (14) recently had his first flight in a glider and is hoping to achieve his Gliding Scholarship as soon as he is old enough.

Left to Right: Cadet Dominic Hastie, Flight Sergeant Robert Hastie, CI Paula Hastie

Robert has been a cadet with the squadron for over 5 years, attending camps in Germany, Gibraltar and an exchange visit to the USA. Achieving a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, an RAF Marksmanship and excellent passes in two Leadership courses during his time as an air cadet. A keen sportsman, he has represented Scotland and Northern Ireland region of the air cadets in Athletics and Cross Country running. He is about to enter his second year at Glasgow University, studying Physics and Philosophy.           

He says of his achievement, “The course was a fantastic opportunity and I enjoyed every moment”        

Squadron PR Officer Plt Off Callan

ENDS