Having spent 26 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF) before completing my service in 2018 – when I joined Leonardo – I think that my role as an Avionics Technician conducting trials, tests and evaluations inspired Kian a little bit, seeing me go on various detachments and exercises.
Combining this with him very much being a lad of rights and wrongs and rules, Kian really liked the idea of the cadets, which was an opportunity to meet people and build his friendship network.
Rising through the ranks
Kian joined the RAF Air Cadets at the age of 13, enjoying a variety of experience and opportunities, and ultimately making the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. It gave him the opportunity to do a myriad of activities outside his normal sphere, including weapons training, drill and ceremonial camps, aerospace camps, and participating in the coronation of King Charles III and Camilla in May 2023.
Kian Watkins outside Buckingham Palace representing the RAF Air Cadets as part of the King's Coronation.
In October 2022, in recognition of Kian’s outstanding contribution to the cadets, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE RN, appointed him as a Lord-Lieutenant Cadet. This involved him attending a range of engagements across the county, including Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Kian and Peter Watkins at the Battle of Britain Parade, South Yorkshire Air Museum (2023)
Passion for flying
The cadets also gave Kian the opportunity to fly; he has a real passion for it and secured his private pilot’s license before leaving the cadets. Being awarded an Air League scholarship, with support from the cadets, meant he received 12 hours free flying tuition, which was a great opportunity for him.
He had the opportunity to put his flying skills into practice when, during his final year of cadets, Kian was invited to participate in the International Air Cadet Exchange in France, where he spent time with German, Swiss and Australian cadets, and had the chance to fly around the Alps.
What next?
After finishing school, Kian spent a year working for Affinity Flying Services as a flight line aircraft handler – marshalling and refuelling RAF training aircraft. He then began his aerospace engineering degree at the University of Birmingham in autumn 2023.
Rather than serving in the Forces, he ultimately wants to work in industry and wants to use his pilot’s license as part of his career – in terms of aircraft test and evaluation, such as being on board an aircraft operating test equipment. Such is his passion for the subject, Kian has set up a new aerospace society at Birmingham University.
But cadets remain close to his heart too. Now, as an adult volunteer, Kian is an Acting Pilot Officer. He recognised how much the Air Cadets has given him, so is keen to give back to the next generation of cadets.