Gliding Scholarship

The Gliding Scholarship (GS)  is the Squadron's main tasking. This is an intense 8-10 hour course, on the Vigilant T.1, to enable Air Cadets to fly solo for the first time.

The Scholarship course is 8 hours of Flying Training with a C, B or A-Category Instructor. The course involves a mixture of Ground School and Flying Training, starting with "upper air" general handling work which will prepare the Trainee for the circuit training that will follow. The  course may be extended by an additional 2 hours, at the discretion of an A-Category Instructor, for those who have not flown solo but show adequate aptitude.

Courses are widely available at the Weekends, and occasionally during the summer on a residential 9-day course.

Eligibility

This course is available to all serving Air Cadets who; are over the age of 16 years, have completed the RAF Proficiency Part 2 / Leading Cadet, and possess a valid RAF Form 6424.

In exceptional cases, this course is open to Civil and Military personnel authorised by HQAC.

Selection Requirements

There are no selection requirements for this course.

Attendance

From the start to finish, Trainees are required to attend the allocated day at the weekend until the completion of their course. This takes priority over all other activities with their Cadet Unit. The OC VGS reserves the right to suspend training if Trainees fail to make satisfactory progress due to non-attendance.

Course Award

Trainees who complete the requirements of the Gliding Scholarship, are awarded the Air Cadets (Blue) Wings by the OC VGS. The award is made on recommendation from an A-Category Instructor, after satisfactorily completing a Check Flight to the Aircrew Training Standard (GS) and passing the required ground school examination.

Trainees meeting the Aircrew Training Standard (GS) and who successfully complete a solo flight in the Vigilant, are awarded the Air Cadets (Silver) Wings by the OC VGS.

Further Training

There is no further training associated with the successful completion of this course. However, Trainees meeting the Aircrew Training Standard (GS) with the award of the Air Cadets (Silver) Wings, may be recommended for the Advanced Glider Training Course.