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Teen pilot receives award from Abbotsford Flying Club

Ashley Cameron took first flight with club in 2011
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Ashley Cameron receives her First Flights for Kids Award from program coordinators Ron Becker and Mark Thibault. (Submitted photo)

In 2011 at age 11, Ashley Cameron was given her first flight in a small airplane at the Abbotsford Flying Club’s “First Flights for Kids” event.

She flew with member Randy Kelley in his vintage Canadian-made 1946 Fleet 80 Canuck.

Six years later in August 2017, Cameron earned her private pilot licence through the Air Cadet program.

In honour of her achievement, the Abbotsford Flying Club (AFC) recently awarded her with a First Flights for Kids Award and a one-year membership, presented by coordinators Ron Becker and Mark Thibault.

Cameron has agreed to participate in the 2018 First Flights for Kids 10th anniversary event, this time as a ground school instructor where she can inspire more children with the joy of flight.

First Flights for Kids is open to children ages seven to 13 who have no previous experience in a small airplane or helicopter.

There is no cost, and kids receive a short ground-school session, where they learn about flight safety and the basics of flight, followed by a 15-minute flight over Abbotsford and the surrounding area.

Kids receive a certificate after their flight.

Registration for the 2018 event opens in April online at abbotsfordflyingclub.ca.

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Ashley Cameron is shown her in 2011 at the age of 11 with pilot Randy Kelley when she took her first flight.