On the 20th September, Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Blackwell and Officer Commanding No. XXIV Squadron, Wing Commander McIntyre, presented Corporal McVey with the No. XXIV Squadron Maintenance Student of the Year Award. This award was created in fond memory of Warrant Officer Mac Peace, who was Warrant Officer VC10 and Tristar Maintenance School, from 1998 to 2004.
The award has been traditionally given to the most deserving student of the year initially across VC10 and Tristar students, and was recovered from hibernation in 2019 to be re-awarded. Competition for this year’s nominees was set across the 2 platforms C-130J and A400M, and Large Aircraft Familiarisation Training, with a field of just over 400 engineering students.
"This year’s Student of the Year was No. 47 Engineering Squadron’s Corporal McVey who attended the 10-week Mechanical Course 4/20, and has the highest average exam mark over the last two training years. This puts him top over the 8 courses against 52 other students with an average of 93.3%. Corporal McVey was fully engaged with the instructors and his fellow students throughout the course. He was clearly able to absorb information from both the presentations and practical periods, remaining focused when it came to revision, he also led study periods, revising with students who were struggling with the course and had failed exams. His work helped them to pass the exam retakes and ultimately pass the course. During the practical lessons his composed and self-assured manner enabled him to talk through the aircraft systems, remaining calm when put under pressure during the various fault injects. His efforts during the course will allow him to build on his previous engineering knowledge and make him a considerable asset to his Squadron."
Flight Lieutenant Dunkley
Officer Commanding Training School
"I found the C-130J Mechanical course very interesting, learning about the different systems, allowing me to develop the knowledge needed for my role on 47 Squadron. A particular thanks to the XXIV Squadron instructors for making it an enjoyable course throughout."
Corporal McVey
No. 47 Engineering Squadron
