A TEENAGER’S career in the RAF has really taken off.

Helen Roberts, 19, from Knebworth, has completed her basic trade training and has qualified as an aerospace systems operator at the School of Aerospace Battle Management at RAF Boulmer, in Northumberland.

The role of an aerospace systems operator is to assist in the defence of UK airspace, tracking aircraft by radar and using computers to identify them, plot their speed and determine their position.

A spokesman said: “The Royal Air Force places a very strong emphasis on fitness and the students undertook 81 hours of structured physical training over the 18-week course.

“They also had five days of adventurous training in the Brecon Beacons; this included mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling and caving.”

Helen will now embark on her first operational posting to the control and reporting centre at RAF Scampton near Lincoln.

She said: “The RAF has treated me very well.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and am looking forward to the future.”