A YOUNG man whose love of flying was nurtured as an air cadet in Okehampton has been selected to train as a commercial airline pilot.

Matt Stoner, 19, has secured a place to train with easyJet as a pilot, after demonstrating ‘a very natural ability to fly’ during six years with 2443 Okehampton RAF Air Cadet Squadron.

From a single-parent family, he has now launched a Just Giving page to raise £50,000 towards the £109,000 cost of the course.

His efforts are being supported by the Okehampton squadron where his potential was first spotted.

Squadron Commanding Officer Andy Oliver said: ‘I have seen Matt grow in stature and confidence from when he started as a shy 13-year-old cadet. Matt has quietly grown up, showing us along the way his true potential.

‘He has never asked for expected support and has been humbled how supportive people are in trying to help him achieve his career aspirations.’

Matt, who lives in a small village outside Exeter, has wanted to be a pilot since the age of five. He joined the 2443 Squadron back in 2012 and three years later, as Cadet Warrant Officer Stoner, he took his first flight, demonstrating ‘a very natural ability to fly’ according to an RAF pilot trainer.

He later sat the RAF aptitude test, passing it aged just 17 and with the support of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) he was awarded a flying scholarship towards gaining his Personal Pilot Licence (PPC).

With two A*s and two As at A level under his belt, Matt has opted not to go to university in favour of the opportunity to train as a commercial pilot with easyJet.

Following a rigorous six-month application process, Matt was told he had made it onto the Generation easyJet programme. He now has to find the money to achieve his dream, as the cost of training a pilot can be as much as £130,000.

He’s been offered £30,000 from easyJet towards the costs but will have to find the rest himself — hence the Just Giving page, where so far well-wishers have pledged £500 towards his efforts.

‘I want to thank everyone along the way who has supported me, including family and friends. To be offered this on my first attempt was amazing!’ he said.

‘It’s just the finances that are holding me back. If the finances aren’t found, my place from the course will be withdrawn. I can’t thank everyone enough as it is, yet if anyone knows any sources of lending or financial opportunities, it would mean the world.’