People
Reach for the Sky
Rajandeep Singh dreams of being an Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot. But at just ten years old, he has at least eight more years until he can fulfill his ambition and, like most young boys, he can't wait until he is old enough to reach for the skies.
He was therefore thrilled when RAF Linton-on-Ouse in the UK recently did a 'Jim'll Fix It' for him and his friends to spend a day at the airbase and get a taste of what it's like to be a real life RAF pilot.
Rajandeep attends the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship, in Bradford. RAF Linton-on-Ouse, located near York, has a close relationship with the Sikh Temple; staff from Linton are regular visitors at evening scripture lessons held in the Temple's Prayer Hall.
It was on one of these visits that Linton's station Commander, Group Captain Andy Sudlow invited the youngsters to the base so they could see what goes into training modern day pilots. For Rajandeep, the invite was a dream-come true:
"I've loved planes since I was two and have always dreamed of becoming a pilot and traveling the world," he said.
Rajandeep's visit coincided with Graduation Day and he got to speak to pilots who had just won their coveted RAF 'wings'. He also got to see some of the RAF's newest jets give a special display as well as a vintage Battle of Britain Spitfire.
Rajandeep came about as close to being a pilot as a 10 year old can. When the Spitfire landed, he and his friends got to climb aboard the world's most famous fighter.
Rajandeep's mum, Nina Kaur, who organizes classes at the Gurdwara explained the importance of the Sikh community having a good rapport with the RAF:
"This relationship is about changing mindsets on both sides as well as making valuable links and letting our children know what opportunities are out there for them," she said.
"Today is a good example, you don't have to be a pilot to join the RAF and I think that surprised some in the party. The Gurdwara and RAF Linton have worked closely for about three years now, building bridges and establishing friendships."
[Courtesy: Defence News. Photo: Matt Clark]