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Flying Training at 644 Volunteer Gliding School

The first taste of flying the Vigilant T Mk 1 Aircraft for the cadet is the Gliding Induction Course (GIC). This involves up to three sorties where the cadet is taught the primary effects of the controls, and practises operating them. These flights also give air experience to the cadets, and the captain of the aircraft will demonstrate a stall on the last flight.

For cadets’ aged 16 and above that have completed a GIC, there is the opportunity to attend a Gliding Scholarship (GS). This gives the cadet around 10 hours flying tuition and takes the student up to solo standard. At the end of the course the cadet will be issued the GS Blue Wings.

A few cadets will get the opportunity to fly the aircraft solo, and be awarded the GS Silver wings. The cadet’s ability aside, a number of factors dictate whether a cadet will be sent solo, including the weather and the runway that is in use.

644 fly GIC and GS cadets every weekend, with two continuous courses also being held throughout the year, one during the Easter holidays and another over summer.

Cadets that demonstrate an exceptional aptitude during the Gliding Scholarship may be offered an Advanced Glider Training course (AGT). Students fly 5 solo circuits, and also further develop their skills in the upper air. Most AGT students stay on at the school as staff cadets, and assist the adult staff with the airfield operations. Indeed, a high percentage of the school’s instructors started their flying careers this way, including the Commanding Officer.

Home | 644 | Syerston | Training | Vigilant TMk1 | Joining Instructions | Location | Gallery | Downloads | Contact | Links