Gliding

Glider pilot training is one of the core activities in which Air cadets take part in. There is nothing more impressive than taking control of a £125,000 aircraft above the lands below. It's a unique opportunity and one that makes Air cadets so much more different than other youth organisations.
Air cadets fly the Grob 109 Vigilant Glider. Unlike other gliders it has an engine so it can be taken off and landed as if it is a traditional plane, this makes it a great glider for beginners. As long as you are enrolled and aged 13 and 3 months you can start glider training and do you first solo flight at the age of 16, therefore flying before you can even take your first driving test.
What do I need to glide with the Air Training Corps?
In order to fly all cadets must have:

-A high level of commitment to flying
-Parents consent
-No temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe

Gliding Induction Course (GIC)
For first time flyers the corps offers an induction course. The course is 30mins long and gives the cadet chance to experiment with the aircraft doing basic aircraft manoeuvring and experience the thrill of gliding.

Gliding Scholarship (GS)
More experienced cadets aged 16 and above can take a gliding scholarship. This means a cadet can go on more advanced training in order to achieve their gliding scholarship wings. The course consists of up to 8 hours in a Vigilant to achieve Dark Blue GS wings. Cadets showing the necessary skills and commitment are invited to progress with additional training and do solo standard to achieve Silver GS solo wings. In order for a cadet to do this they must undergo a medical and have (RAF Form 6424) signed by a doctor. This is too prove it is safe for the cadet to learn more advance skills.

Advanced Glider Training (AGT)
Cadets who have achieved their gliding scholarship silver and show the necessary skills may be asked to continue to advanced glider training, as well as being invited to be a staff cadet at one of the gliding schools. This is a rare opportunity and not many people will get to go onto the course. However, if you do you receive the gold AGT wings.