Peter John Gooding AFC (Kerrison 1953-1962)

He was one of the founder members of the RAF section of the CCF, under John Maulden and whilst at school he did a gliding course including solo flying at Martlesham Heath at age 16.  He was awarded an RAF Scholarship and had a three year cadetship at the RAF College Cranwell.  He was trained by the Royal Navy for his chosen front line aircraft: the Buccaneer nuclear strike and attack.  After promotion to Squadron Leader he was a flight commander on Buccaneers at Laarbruch in Germany, which included time on Quick Reaction Alert in the nuclear role.  He was awarded the Air Force Cross for his overall performance in the air.

Promoted to Group Captain in 1990, he commanded the RAF’s busiest flying training station at Linton-on-Ouse in Yorkshire, with a clutch of three airfields.  For his final appointment he became an expert in aviation safety, before retiring in 1998 to the family home near Oakham, Rutland after 37 years in the RAF.  He then gained an Airline Pilot’s Licence and finally retired from commercial flying at age 75.