A FORMER Launceston College student has become a qualified Griffin Helicopter pilot in the RAF at the tender age of 22.

Currently based at RAF Odiham, Flying Officer Josh Hall was awarded his RAF?Pilots Brevet (wings) on June 11 by Air Commodore Simon Falla, Deputy Joint Helicopter Command.

He has always maintained an interest in becoming a pilot and upon deciding it was military and not civilian aviation he wished to pursue a career in, applied at the Armed Forces Career Office in Plymouth.

Josh has enjoyed numerous challenges and trips as part of his training — both with flying the aircrafts themselves and improving team ethos, something he attributes to being essential in his line of work.

An early trip saw Josh go as part of a team on a sailing trip in the Baltic Sea, north of Germany and Denmark, with an emphasis on working together.

"We were all quite new to each other and it was a real team bonding exercise. People have different cultures and interests so it was important to get to know the people you'd be spending the next few years with.

"It is essential that you become close with your colleagues and that you trust them, as everybody has a role to play and lives are at risk."

See this week's 'Post' for the full story and more photos.