Taking his passion for gliding to new heights, AS1 Bradley Lefley-Kemp recently showcased the grace of unpowered flight in an aerobatic display at the 2026 RAF Cosford Air Show. We caught up with Brad to hear how support early in his gliding journey helped shape his path from enthusiastic teenager to qualified instructor, aircraft technician, and now, display pilot.
“My interest in flying began at a young age when my Grandad took me to a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight members’ day at RAF Coningsby. I remember being in awe of the Lancaster, Spitfires, Hurricanes and Dakota, and instantly became fascinated by them. My grandparents also used to take me to RAF Scampton to watch the Red Arrows practise their displays, usually with me dressed in my Red Arrows flight suit, which sadly no longer fits!
During secondary school, I developed a real enthusiasm for science and engineering and quickly knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. My flying journey began at the age of 14 following a trial flight at my local gliding club, soaring over Lincolnshire left me completely hooked!
In August 2018, I joined Trent Valley Gliding Club as a junior member, determined to fly solo. Just five months later, after a lot of training, I achieved that goal. From there, I earned my Bronze and Cross-Country endorsements before completing my first 143 km cross-country flight in 2020. Since then, I’ve achieved my FAI Silver Badge, Gold Distance Award and Diamond Goal, but my proudest achievement has been qualifying as a Basic Instructor.
Becoming an instructor has been one of the most rewarding parts of my gliding journey, giving me the opportunity to give back to the club and the sport that have shaped me in so many ways. Helping new pilots develop their skills and experience the exhilaration of gliding is incredibly satisfying, and it has also helped me continue improving my own flying.
One thing that really sets gliding apart is the people. It’s a genuine team sport, without everyone pulling together it simply wouldn’t happen. The support I’ve received from the instructors and members at Trent Valley Gliding Club has created a brilliant community and social atmosphere.
My original ambition when I joined the RAF was to become a pilot. Although I passed my Filter Interview and CBAT, I wasn’t successful at OASC. Looking back, that setback helped me realise how much I’d enjoyed my work experience with the Typhoon Maintenance Facility at RAF Coningsby, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as an Aircraft Mechanical Technician instead.
I’m currently completing my Level 3 Aircraft Maintenance apprenticeship at RAF Cosford, combining my passion for engineering and aviation. Alongside this, I joined the RAF Gliding & Soaring Association and RAF Shawbury Gliding Club, allowing me to continue flying while gaining a deeper understanding of the technical side of the sport.
A personal highlight was flying the 100th recipient of the MEF Bursary, supported by the RAF Central Fund, which introduces Phase 2 trainees to gliding. It’s fantastic to see initiatives like this opening the door for so many young people to discover flying for the first time.
I’ve enjoyed some incredible flying experiences, from soaring over the mountains of North Wales to experiencing aerobatics in Bavaria. Being selected as the 2026 RAF Cosford Air Show Glider Aerobatic Display Pilot was a huge privilege and, honestly, a dream come true. It was made possible by the unwavering support of my family, the RAF Central Fund, Trent Valley Gliding Club, RAF Shawbury Gliding Club, the RAF Gliding & Soaring Association, Capita Public Services, and everyone involved in bringing this project to life.
Over the years, gliding has helped shape me both personally and professionally, teaching me valuable skills in teamwork, decision-making under pressure, communication and risk assessment. The technical experience I’ve gained maintaining and rigging gliders has also given me an excellent foundation for my aircraft engineering training within the RAF.
With determination and the right support, it’s possible to achieve things that you never thought possible.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about taking up gliding, it would simply be to go for it. Set yourself goals, learn from your instructors, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because that’s how you improve. The gliding community is incredibly supportive, and the more you put into it, the more you’ll get back. Plus, it’s far cooler than spending all day on a PlayStation!”
The RAF Central Fund is proud to have supported Brad, along with many other Phase 2 trainees, through the Mechanics Endowment Fund (MEF) Gliding Bursary Programme. The programme helps participants develop flying skills, confidence and teamwork through the unique experience of gliding.
Read more and watch Brad’s ‘dream come true’ display at the 2026 Cosford Air Show below!
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