128 Sqn Crest RAF Air Cadets 128 Squadron

Gliding

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The Starting point for your gliding experience will be at a Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) which will fly either Vigilant motor gliders or Viking winch launch gliders. You will begin by attending, with others from your Cadet Squadron your affiliated VGS to be taught the Gliding Induction Course (GIC).

The Grob Vigilant is the Air Cadet’s powered glider. Whilst this might sound strange, the aircraft launches under its own power and then cuts that power to become a glider.

Any cadet over 16, can apply for a Gliding Scholarship. They will receive 10 hours gliding instruction and are then assessed for their ability. The best will fly a circuit of the airfield SOLO. The very best may be asked to come back for further instruction, so that they can go on and become instructors themselves.

Blue Aviation Training Package (ATP)

The Blue ATP introduces cadets to aeronautical concepts including the primary and further effects of controls, lift vectors and airfield procedures . There are 4 elements to the training:

  1. Cadet Aviation Familiarisation Course (FAM)
  2. Ground school
  3. Part Task Trainer (PTT)
  4. Airborne sortie(s)

Bronze Aviation Training Package (ATP)

Following on from the Blue ATP, the Bronze ATP consists of 3 elements to further develop aviation knowledge:

  1. Ground school elements will revise primary effects of control and introduce attitude maintenance and selection and cockpit drills.
  2. PTT training will focus on trimming, normal approach and circuit, undershooting and overshooting approaches.
  3. Airborne sorties at a VGS will demonstrate FRC drills, datum attitude and stability, medium turns and the approach and landing for G Wings.

Silver Gliding Scholarship (SGS) Silver Wings

The Silver Gliding Scholarship provides the opportunity to fly a glider to solo standard. There are 4 elements to the training:

  1. Knowledge of primary effects
  2. Development of skills including straight glide, medium turns, approach, landing, stalling and circuits
  3. Pre-solo check
  4. Solo flight

Gliding Training (GWGT) Gold Wings

The Gold Wings Gliding Training is divided into 2 parts:

  1. Revision of previous techniques of handling, stall prevention, circuits and launch failures. Additional training will focus on the use of FLARM, a full height winch launch, sortie management and circuit re-joins and advanced turning and landing. This will all be consolidated with a further 5 solo circuits
  2. Broadening of flying experience by teaching one or more thermal soaring techniques and consolidate with 2 further 30 minute solo sorties

Civilian Qualifications

Although parity with standardised military aviation cannot be assured, individuals who have completed civilian gliding scholarships may be awarded the Air Cadet Civilian (CIV) wings in recognition of their efforts.

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