Miss Wales entrant Jennifer Thomas has RAF ambitions

Sep 25 2008 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

A YOUNG woman who dreams of becoming an RAF pilot hopes to become the next Miss Wales.

Jennifer Thomas, from Sychnant Pass in Conwy, trains with Liverpool University’s Air Squadron.

The 20-year-old who is studying law at Chester University has already completed 40 hours of flying, including seven hours spent flying solo.

“I’m entering Miss Wales as I had a go last year and made it to the semi-finals but unfortunately had to pull out as I was skiing with the squadron,” explained Jennifer.

“This year I’m definitely going to go for it as I want to raise lots of money for charity.

“I haven’t quite decided who I’m going to raise money for as I’m torn between Help for Heroes, which helps injured soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan, and a hospice in Caernarfon, where my grandmother spent some time.

“It’s also good to represent your home town, as I’ve lived in Conwy all my life.”

As for hopes to become an RAF pilot, she said: “The Liverpool University Air Squadron is like a step up from the Air Cadets, which I joined years ago.

“I love the Air Squadron and am training for my preliminary flying badge. Flying solo is quite scary though as I’m not a natural flyer.

“We fly from RAF Woodvale in Formby and stay flying close to that area. I’m doing a law degree just in case I don’t pass the medical test to get into the RAF.

“My dream is to be an RAF pilot but I realise that’s quite tough to get into, as long as I get a job in the RAF I’ll be happy.”