637 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
Royal Air Force Little Rissington
Near Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL54 2LR
VGSs are unique in that they provide their own Ground Support in addition to their flying duties. Manned from a variety of Personnel, 637VGS is entirely self operating.
While VGSs are manned by Volunteers and serve the Air Cadet Organisation, they remain Royal Air Force Flying Training Units. They operate military aircraft, which are maintained to military defence standards.
VGSs fall under No.22 (Training) Group RAF, but are administered through the Flying Branch of the Air Cadet Organisation. All established Aircraft Captains are bound by No.22 (Training) Group Orders (AC) and the Joint Service Military Aviation Regulations.
Unit Staff
637VGS is made up of a variety of personnel. The Unit is managed by Executive Staff. These individuals hold Commissions in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
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The Flying Instructors form a mixture of Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Personnel from the various Branches of the RN/RM/Army/RAF, in addition to Civilians appointed as Honorary Instructors, and Flight Staff Cadets from the Air Cadet Forces.
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Command & Control
At the heart of 637VGS's operations is the Unit's own Aeronautical Ground Station, operated from a Control Caravan. The flying operation at RAF Little Rissington is coordinated and supervised by a Senior Instructor, appointed by the Officer Commanding as the Duty Instructor (DI). All Senior Instructors are trained to perform this role and are licensed to operate a VHF Air-to-Ground Communication Service.
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Standardisation and Instructor Training
637VGS is standardised twice a year by Examiners from the Royal Air Force Central Flying School and Central Gliding School. This standardisation allows for Instructors to be re-categorised, ensures our flight safety is maintained to the highest of standards, and ensures the Flying Training we provide is aligned with the other 27 VGSs across the UK to the approved Central Flying School Syllabus.
All Graded Pilot Training is performed on the VGS, and candidates eligible to up-grade to an Instructor Category are sent to Air Cadet Central Gliding School at Royal Air Force Syerston for Instructor Training. Instructors training for their A2 or A1 Categories are standardised by the Central Flying School Examining Wing.
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Engineering
The majority of 637VGS's Graded Pilots and Instructors hold an RAF F4124 Flight Servicing Certificate which allows essential first-line servicing to be carried out.
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Second Line maintenance, which includes Primary to Major Servicing, are supported by the Air Cadet Central Gliding School's Engineering Flight. The Engineering Flight at RAF Syerston is Commanded by a Flt Lt RAF, and his team support all 27 VGSs across the UK.
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Fire and Crash Rescue Cover
637VGS provides its own First Response Fire and Crash Rescue cover for all VGS Flying Operations. All Staff over the age of 18 years are given regular Fire and Crash Rescue Training from the Fire Services at RAF Brize Norton.
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Mechanical Transport
637VGS is equipped with an extensive MT Fleet to support its operation. Supported by the RAF Brize Norton's MT Section, 637VGS's MT Fleet comprises of a Control Caravan, three Landrover Defenders, First Response Crash and Rescue equipment, a mobile Runway Sweeper, and an Aircraft Refuelling Bowser.
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