WOW! WHAT A WEEKEND
On Friday (12th December), CTC hosted their
annual graduation event at Dibden Manor for all cadets who have successfully
completed their training. The day started off at CTC’s Nursling Training
Centre, where all the simulators were open to cadets and their guests – it was
quite interesting to see how some of the guests who have never flown before, were so good.
After a couple of hours at the training centre, everyone
then made their way to Dibden Manor for a buffet lunch. A marquee had been set
up in the gardens and made for an amazing venue for the day ahead. With
canapes eaten and Prosecco drunk (I dread to think how much) it was
time for the main event. Over 200 cadets were eligible for graduation; however
a few couldn’t be there due to their flying commitments with the airlines. Even
so, the marquee was packed with cadets, their guests and representatives from so
many of CTC’s partner airlines (such as Flybe, British Airways, easyJet, DHL).
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| Everyone with their certificates |
We were first treated to a speech from Rob Clarke (CTC’s
Chief Executive) and then to an amusing, but inspirational talk from IAG’s
Chief Executive Willie Walsh. It is so good to see even the most senior figures
in aviation show support and interest in CTC’s training and their graduates.
Every cadet was then presented with a glass trophy and certificate from Rob and
Willie – well done everyone!!! All that was left was for 2 special awards to be
presented:
- Best Groundschool Cadet and Runner Up
- CTC Wings Diamond Pilot of the Year and Runner Up
Amazingly, and I'm so thankful, all the commitment and hard work over the last
couple of years paid off, as I was awarded ‘The
CTC Wings Diamond Graduate Pilot Of The Year Award’ which as the trophy
says is “presented annually to the
highest performing CTC Wings graduate pilot who has shown true commitment to
excellence throughout all phases of training”. I just want to say thank you to all my family, friends and everyone who I met
during my training at CTC (especially everyone off CP106).
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| Me, my award and some of CP106 |
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| The marquee transformed for the night |
With the day event over, it was time for the nights
entertainment – CTC’s Graduation Dinner & Ball. With the marquee
transformed ready for a black-tie event, we were treated to a sit down meal,
musical entertainment and a free bar. We were once again joined by
representatives from CTC and the airlines. It was a brilliant night and a
chance for everyone to celebrate their success, it is just a shame I can’t
remember the last hour of the night – maybe, just maybe the free bar got
to me……..
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| So nice for everyone to show their concern for me :) |
A big thank you to everyone at CTC for organising the event,
and to everyone there during the day and night for making it a day to
remember……
