Tim Peake 'Delighted And Honoured' To Become Army Air Corps Regiment's Honorary Colonel

Astronaut and former soldier Major Tim Peake has become Honorary Colonel of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC).

The former AAC pilot said he was “delighted and honoured” after the appointment with the unit, which delivers initial helicopter flying training to Army pilots and is based in Shawbury, Shropshire.

“My passion has always been aviation and I hope I can help and inspire young pilots of the future to achieve their potential,” said Major Peake.

Major Peake became the first official British astronaut to join the International Space Station crew in 2015.

During his six months in space, he earned a Guinness World Record for running the fastest marathon in orbit.

Colonel Army Air Corps, Col Julian Facer ADC said in an AAC Twitter statement that the explorer’s background and experience with the European Space Agency will make him a “superb ambassador and role model for those trainee pilots embarking on their Army flying career".

Cover image: Tim Peake in 2016 (Picture: PA).