Wednesday July 22nd

21 year old Woking man Flying Officer Blane Miller has graduated from the RAF Air Traffic Control Course with flying colours! And we couldn’t be more proud.

The Joint Air Traffic Control Course 438 is incredibly tough. It’s designed to train Air Traffic Controllers for the demanding conditions of RAF flying stations. Not only did Blane graduate, he bagged two trophies along the way!

He won the Alenia Marconi Systems Trophy for achieving the highest academic scores, and the Bunting Trophy for excellence in practical application, assessed during 127 hours of simulated controlling in the advanced Terminal Radar and Visual Simulators at RAF Shawbury.

Blane is an Ex Air Cadet from 1349 (Woking) Squadron. He joined in 2012 and took part in the 100th Nijmegen March, the International Air Cadet Exchange and was RAF Northolt Station Commander’s Cadet. Before joining the RAF in January 2019, he was the Cadet Warrant Officer for 1349 (Woking) Squadron ATC.

Blane says, “I was keen to join the RAF Air Cadets as I’d long had an interest in the RAF and aviation, and I was also keen to push myself out of my comfort zone in ways I wouldn’t be able to at school. Being exposed to new things was also a reason I joined – nowhere else would I be able to shoot regularly, learn to fly, and stay fit and healthy at the same time.”

“I would like to thank all the staff at 1349, past and present. Every single person plays a strong role in bringing the best out of everyone who has come through their door, and I am sure I would not be where I am now without their support and encouragement.”

Blane’s career is clearly on the up and we’re absolutely delighted to hear of his success. We’re inspired to set our sights higher too!