RAF pilot reaching for the skies

A NEWLY-qualified Royal Air Force officer from Ipswich is flying high today after graduating from a prestigious military college.

A NEWLY-qualified Royal Air Force officer from Ipswich is flying high today after graduating from a prestigious military college.

Michael Pugh will now embark on his professional training to become a pilot after passing out at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

The 19-year-old former Copleston High School pupil joined 123 other cadets for a parade on October 2 in front of rear admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, the commander of Joint Helicopter Command.

Mr Pugh, whose parents Derek and Elaine still live in Ipswich, said: “I'm really looking forward to getting out into the wider air force and starting my flying training.”