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)
- Cadet Aviation Familiarisation Course (FAM)
- Ground school
- Part Task Trainer (PTT)
- Airborne sortie(s)
Bronze Aviation Training Package (ATP)
- Ground school elements will revise primary effects of control and introduce attitude maintenance and selection and cockpit drills.
- PTT training will focus on trimming, normal approach and circuit, undershooting and overshooting approaches.
- 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
- Knowledge of primary effects
- Development of skills including straight glide, medium turns, approach, landing, stalling and circuits
- Pre-solo check
- Solo flight
Gliding Training (GWGT) Gold Wings
- 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
- Broadening of flying experience by teaching one or more thermal soaring techniques and consolidate with 2 further 30 minute solo sorties