Gliding Induction Course (GIC)
The Gliding Induction Course aims to teach you how the basic flight controls of a glider work in a “hands on” environment. This will back up Principles of Flight theory you have already received during training at your home unit.
GIC 1 – 20mins – How to change the pitch of the aircraft (up & down).
GIC 2 – 25mins – How to roll the aircraft (angle of bank).
GIC 3 – 30mins – How to Yaw the aircraft (left & right), and what happens when the aircraft stalls.
Gliding Scholarship (GS)
The Gliding Scholarship gives you 8 hours of flying to learn how to operate a motor glider, completion of this course entitles you to wear the Blue GS wings. What you have learnt during the GIC is just the beginning of what you will learn during the Gliding Scholarship. You will ultimately put all the elements of your training into flying a circuit (take-off and climb to 800ft, turn through 180°, fly past the runway you just departed, turn through another 180°, approach and land), you will also be taught how to deal with an emergency after take-off (should the worst happen).
Those showing potential will be given a further 2 hours training to try and get you to a standard where you can solo the aircraft and gain your Silver GS wings.
Advanced Glider Training (AGT)
During the Advanced Glider Training you will complete a further 5 solo circuits. You will also be taught Advanced Turning and Advanced Landing. Completion of this entitles you to wear the Gold AGT wings.
Further Training
With further training you can become a graded pilot on the aircraft entitling you to teach the GIC syllabus, this is usually adult staff however cadets who join the squadron strength as Flight Staff Cadets can also achieve this.
With even more training to can become an instructor, different levels entitling you to teach different things.