ATC Activites - Gliding

Cadets from the Air Training Corps are offered opportunities to fly in gliders, and in some cases progress to the stage where they can fly solo (i.e. on their own without an instructor present).

All glider training, like most ATC training is progressive, and starts with the Gliding Induction Course (GIC).

Gliding Induction Course (GIC)

This course provides the cadet with an initial introduction to flying in a glider, and progresses to teaching the student the various aeronautical aspects of gliding.

The course is in three stages (GIC 1, GIC 2 and GIC 3), and can be carried out either in the Viking glider or the Vigilant glider.

All gliding takes place at one of the Volunteer Gliding Schools within the UK, and is instruction is provided by qualified glider pilots.

As a member of 2319 Squadron, all gliding (with the exception of summer camps) is carried out at either 661 VGS or 662 VGS. Both VGS are equipped with the Viking TX. 1 winch-launched glider.

Requirements for GIC

In order to be eligible for GIC you should meet the following requirements:

• You should be at least 13 years and 3 months of age
• Parent's consent to fly signed in record book or 3822
• You must have a high level of motivation
• You must have no temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe for cadet or pilot.

Gliding Scholarships (GS)

Gliding Scholarships allow cadets to undertake further gliding training, with the aim of achieving their GS wings. The GS scheme consists of up to 40 launches in a Viking glider or 8 hours flying in a Vigilant glider. Cadets have the opportunity to progress to 'solo' standard (finally achieving their GS Solo Wings), provided they have the aptitude to do so.

The Gliding Scholarship can be undertaken in one of two formats:

1. 1 week continuous gliding (weather permitting) at a Volunteer Gliding School.
2. Over a number of successive weekends until the course is completed a Volunteer Gliding School.

Requirements for GS

• You must be 16 years of age
• Parent's consent to fly signed in service book or 3822
• RAF Medical Form 6424 completed (if you have a medical condition, you can be assessed for glider pilot training by forwarding, via your unit, to HQAC for further consideration)
• You must have a high level of motivation and be prepared to attend a VGS until your course is complete
• No temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe for cadet or pilot.

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Please note: This site will be updated when the requirements for gliding, or the gliding syllabus is changed. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the HQAC website, using the links in the "Useful Links".