An Abbotsford air cadet has received a scholarship to further his piloting experience.
Tim Keis, a flight sergeant with the 861 Silverfox air cadet squadron in Abbotsford, was presented with the Air Cadet League of Canada's Power Familiarization Pilot Upgrade Scholarship.
The award is worth $2,500 for 30 hours of flight time.
Keis was awarded the Top Pilot trophy for demonstrating the greatest aptitude for academics and flying during a six-week training course this summer in Comox.
Keis accumulated many hours of flight time during the training, while juggling the intense academic program that accompanies the licensing.
Keis has been a member of the Silverfox squadron for the past four years, and has been an active participant in the squadron's activities.
He has also been attending university and running his own business.
"He is a focused and driven cadet who is deserving of this scholarship," said Maj. Melanie Taylor, his commanding officer.
This summer, the Pacific Region Gliding School graduated 37 air cadets, including Keis, from the gliding program. An additional 33 cadets were awarded their power licences from various flying schools across B.C. and can now operate Cessnas.
"The opportunity of getting a pilot's licence draws young people to cadets. Flight Sgt. Keis is an outstanding cadet," said Jennifer McEwan, squadron sponsoring committee chairperson.