The Air Training Corps
Flying & Gliding
Cadets can take part in regular flights in the Grob Tutor at one of
12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) around the UK. These flights typically
last 30 minutes; as part of a structured syllabus of training it is
usual for the cadet to be offered the chance of flying the aircraft
or of experiencing aerobatics. The Staff are all qualified Service pilots,
usually serving or retired RAF officers. Prior to the introduction of
the Tutor, AEFs were equipped with Bulldogs as a temporary measure following
the retirement of the Chipmunk in 1996. The Chipmunk was introduced
in 1957 and during its service flew many thousands of cadets.
Cadets can also undertake elementary flying training at a Volunteer
Gliding Squadron(VGS) in Royal Air Force Gliders. The staff are all
qualified service gliding instructors, usually made up of a mixture
of regulars, reservists and Civilian Instructors. Gliding initially
consists of three one day Gliding Induction Courses, GIC 1,2 & 3. Each
GIC consists of learning about controlling the aircraft in one of the
three axes of flight. GIC 1 is pitch, GIC 2 is roll and GIC 3 is yaw
and a demonstration of stalled flight. A VGS will either fly the winch-launched
Grob Viking glider or the Grob Vigilant self-launched motorglider. At
age 16 onwards, cadets can apply for gliding scholarships through their
squadron staff. If selected, the cadet will receive up to 40 instructional
launches on the Viking pure glider, or up to 8 hours of tuition on the
powered Vigilant motorglider. Cadets who successfully complete either
of these programmes will be awarded blue wings. Cadets who show the
required aptitude and ability will go on to perform a solo flight and
be authorised to wear silver wings on their uniform. Further training
is available to a select few cadets who show potential to progress onto
Advanced Gliding Training (AGT) where on completion they are awarded
gold wings.