THE first girl in 614 (Lydney) Squadron ATC to be awarded a coveted RAF flying scholarship needs a £3,000 push to help her get her private pilot's licence.
Air Cadet Sergeant Emma Barber of Cinderford went to flying school at Bodmin, Cornwall in August, and successfully went solo in a Cessna 152 after nine hours of tuition.
"Going solo was an experience I can't quite describe, quite out of this world," she said. "It was wonderful."
She has now passed all the ground examinations and completed four hours of solo flying. In all, she has completed 20 hours of flying time which is halfway to obtaining her flying licence.
"Unfortunately because of the current rules I can't join the airforce as a fighter pilot," said the 17-year-old Wyedean pupil who is currently working on her A-levels.
"I will see how things go – if I go to university I could study engineering and that could lead to work on aircraft. Either way I could join the RAF. After that, perhaps, I could use my licence in civil aviation."
She has to complete a further 25 hours at a flying school under tuition to earn a private pilot's licence, which will cost some £3,000.
Now she is looking for sponsors who can help her realise her dream. Anyone able to help can contact Emma on 01594 825047.