All cadets are given the opportunity to fly or attend one of our gliding squadrons several times a year.

At an Air Experience Flight, which are located around the country, cadets are instructed by ex’ RAF pilots who have had many years experience. We have a fleet of two seat ‘Grob Tutor’ aircraft which are fully aerobatic. A normal sortie will be half an hour where the cadets control the aircraft in all types of flight.

Gliding Squadrons (VGS) are, as with the AEF located around the country. Our two gliding squadrons are 634 VGS at MOD St Athan, and 625 VGS at Hullavington and they are manned by volunteers who train to become instructors.

At 16 cadets can apply for a Gliding Scholarship (GS). This involves further training where if they have the aptitude, gain their wings on a scholarship course and fly a solo sortie, and go on to become instructors in their own right.

Senior cadets may be selected to act as ‘staff cadets’ and help with the running of the weekend activities. Getting plenty of flying as well.

Like everything worth doing it takes time and commitment but has great rewards. We have two types of glider in the ATC today, the Grob Viking winch launched aircraft, and the motorised Grob Vigilant, which is now operated by St Athan.

Cadets may also fly in service aircraft such as Hercules, VC10, and helicopters when on annual camp.