Teen setting her sights high with dream RAF career

Sitting in the cockpit of a Typhoon fighter jet, the aircraft she one day hopes to help keep in the sky, Grace allows herself a glimpse into the future.

The 16-year-old carefully takes in every detail around her, from the maze of switches and screens to the view through the canopy. Outside, engineers and ground crew prepare the aircraft for its trip to Sweden.

For Grace, from Grimsby, it is more than just a rare behind-the-scenes experience. It is a chance to get a full insight into the career she hopes one day to pursue.

As she climbs out of the cockpit and on to the wing of the plane, Grace's face lights up.

"It's a cool opportunity," she says. "I'm very privileged."

Earlier this year, the BBC met Grace as she helped her grandfather, Chris, restore a Cold War-era English Electric Lightning at the former RAF Binbrook, near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.

The project, which has seen the pair spend countless hours bringing the historic aircraft back to life, sparked Grace's fascination with aviation and engineering.

After hearing her story, the RAF invited Grace to RAF Coningbsy, home to the UK's Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fleet, to meet the people who keep the aircraft flying.

Leading the tour is Wing Cdr Gemma Lonsdale, who sees first-hand the importance of inspiring the next generation of women in engineering and the RAF.

"I just remember when I was a kid and I had a similar-ish story where I got to see aircraft being operated [on] and I was with my dad at his work... that motivated me," she says.

"For any girls that are thinking of joining us, just do it. It's so exciting. I hope to see you all in the same outfit as me one day."

According to data published in 2025, women make up 16.1% of RAF personnel.

Despite the low number, it is the highest percentage of women within the armed forces, with women making up 13.7% of Royal Navy personnel, 10.4% of Army personnel and 1.8% of Royal Marines.

According to Engineering UK, 17% of the engineering and technology workforce in the country are women.

The day begins in the station's depth engineering facility, where aircraft undergo maintenance work. Here, engineers work meticulously to ensure every aircraft is fit to fly.

For someone who enjoys getting hands-on with machinery, it is a chance for Grace to see engineering at its most complex.

Among those showing her around is avionics technician Sgt Lynne McMullon.

The 37-year-old, who says she was a tomboy growing up, says she rarely saw women working in engineering when she was younger.

Now she hopes young people such as Grace can see the opportunities available.

"I have no issues at all working in this environment," she says.

"Everyone's great, we all have a laugh, we all get the work done and it's just good working together."

Following Gemma into the next building, she is greeted by RAF personnel with a salute and a cheerful "Morning, Ma'am".

We are then in one of the offices operated by BAE Systems where staff explain how they help support RAF Coningsby.

Among them is data management controller and weapons supervisor Eilis Longmire.

When asked what it is like being a woman working in a male-dominated field, she says: "There have been moments, but I think that happens in every workplace."

She describes the experience as "character-building", but adds: "I have a great working relationship with a lot of the guys."

The 29-year-old joined the company through an apprenticeship and was the first woman in her role when she completed her training.

"It's never going to be a female-dominant industry... [but] the company's definitely pushed for women in engineering," she says.

"It's moving in the right direction."

The tour ends out on the flight line, where Grace finally sees the Typhoons in action, moving up and down the runway.

Surrounded by the roar of jet engines and the personnel who keep the aircraft flying, it is a fitting end to the day.

One of the final people Grace meets is Warrant Officer Lindsey McCoy, whose RAF career began at 19.

Now 48, she says climbing the ranks has been "surreal".

"When I first joined up, I was always the only girl. There were never any other girls, so you just kind of get used to that," she says.

"I love seeing the younger generation coming through. I love being able to give them advice that I didn't receive... it's a real honour."

By the end of the visit, Grace is almost lost for words.

"It's just been really insightful," she says. "Everyone's been really nice."

She says she has recently applied to be an aircraft technician mechanic in the RAF.

"It's mainly given me reassurance... coming here and talking to some apprentices and some workers," she says.

"I haven't been scared away – it's intrigued me more."

Also beaming at the end of the day is her grandad, Chris. Not only has he watched Grace take another step towards her dream career, he has had the chance to revisit part of his own RAF past.

"It's nice to see not just Grace but other females joining the air force, navy, Army and engineering in general," he says.

Looking at Grace admirably, he adds that he would be incredibly proud if Grace's RAF application was successful.

"I don't think there are any words that can express how proud I would be.

"Of course, Nanny and Grandad are going to travel there for the passing-out parade. It'll be great – proudest day of my life."

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