Teen pilot from Whitworth earns wings after flying high at RAF Leeming

Friday, 24 October 2025 20:45

By Catherine Smyth / David Murphy

Cadet Brooke Barlow getting her Blue Wings after flying a plane.

A Whitworth schoolgirl has become the youngest cadet in her squadron to earn Blue Wings after taking to the skies during a visit to RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

Brooke Barlow, 13, who attends Whitworth Community High School, achieved the top cadet accolade after flying a plane as part of an Air Cadet aviation programme. Her Blue Wings badge recognises her first flight, following a simulator assessment and hands-on training from a professional instructor.

The teenager, who joined the 1969 (Rossendale) Squadron Air Cadets in Rawtenstall just over a year ago, is now aiming for a career in the Royal Air Force.

It marks a dramatic change in direction after a rocky first day in uniform. “They took me in and at first I was crying my eyes out and pretending I was sick,” Brooke admitted. “But when I spent the rest of the night there, I realised it was so fun.”

Brooke was one of only four cadets from her squadron to be invited to RAF Leeming, and the only one to earn her Blue Wings. After passing a flight simulator quiz and demonstrating technical knowledge, she was issued with a flight suit, gloves, and aviator sunglasses.

“People were saying I looked like Maverick in Top Gun,” she joked.

She described climbing onto the wing to enter the aircraft, where her instructor took off before handing her the controls. “He said, ‘You are in control,’ and I repeated back, ‘I am in control,’” she recalled.

Brooke successfully performed turns, followed her instructor’s manoeuvres, and even took part in spins and aerobatics. “We got to see a rainbow,” she added.

Her 30-minute flight earned praise from her local leader, and she says the experience has only deepened her ambition to one day become a pilot. “I was proud of myself. I was really scared to go up at first, but afterwards I was thinking, ‘Why was I so scared?’”

She also revealed she was the only girl from her squadron on the trip, and shared a friendly competition with her best friend over who could do the most spins. “We both did the same number so we both won,” she smiled.

At home, Brooke’s achievements are already making an impression, especially on her younger sister Isabella, five, who enjoys trying on her uniform and beret.

Brooke is now working towards promotion within the cadets, aiming first for Corporal, then Sergeant.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Tesco hikes price of bags for life to 40p in UK-wide supermarket change

Tesco has raised the cost of its reusable carrier bags, sparking frustration among some shoppers while the supermarket says the move supports sustainability goals.
NHS service launches same-day mental health support for Rochdale's young people

Young people across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale can now book same-day appointments with the #Thrive mental health team as part of a new NHS support model.
Remembrance services to be held across Rochdale as borough comes together to honour the fallen

The borough will pause to remember on Sunday 9 November, with services and parades taking place in every township to honour servicemen and women past and present
Three Rochdale men charged with historic child sex offences involving teenage girl

Seven charges including multiple rapes brought against three men following major CSE investigation in Rochdale
MP joins basketball club to back grassroots sport in Bury North

Bury North MP James Frith took to the court with under-10s at Elton Basketball Club during a recent visit, praising the club’s grassroots spirit and its impact on local youth.
Police step up patrols as Halloween and Bonfire Night approach in Greater Manchester

Officers promise robust action against antisocial behaviour as part of 'Darker Nights' campaign
Locals honoured at Rochdale Diversity Awards 2025 for championing equality and inclusion

Town hall ceremony celebrates organisations and individuals making Rochdale a fairer, more welcoming borough
Crumpsall terror attack victim’s family thanks public for overwhelming support

The family of Melvin Cravitz say messages, vigils and small acts of kindness have brought strength in the wake of a devastating synagogue attack
Tetrosyl faces backlash over ‘fire and rehire’ move as union threatens industrial action

Usdaw registers formal dispute as local MPs condemn tactics affecting Rochdale workers
True crime stage show with live psychopath test coming to Rochdale this November

Rochdale true crime fans are being invited to test their own inner darkness as a nationwide live show exploring staged murders arrives in town next month.
Fake 999 calls put lives at risk, police warn after surge in hoax and abusive contacts

Greater Manchester Police say they are cracking down on malicious 999 calls after several arrests and convictions, including a man jailed for eight months and a woman accused of making over 140 abusive calls in just three months.
Row erupts over Diversity Awards as Workers Party councillor criticises event he did not attend

A political row has broken out over the Rochdale Diversity Awards after a councillor from the Workers Party of Britain accused organisers and speakers of politicising the event, prompting rebuttals from local Labour representatives.