Flying

Air Cadets have the opportunity to fly with Royal Air Force pilots in Tutor aircraft.

Flying takes place at one of RAF Benson where cadets are shown how the aircraft flies and given the chance to control the aeroplane, experience aerobatics or simply admire the view.

AEF aircraft are flown by volunteer pilots, all of whom are current or former service pilots.

Apart from the AEF aircraft, many Air Cadets also get the opportunity of flying in a variety of other RAF aircraft.

Some lucky individuals are put forward for passenger flights in 'fast jets'.

During their 'careers' many Air Cadets will have flown in a variety of Service aeroplanes and helicopters - sometimes in the capacity of Supernumerary Crew.

It is not unusual for some of these flights to include trips overseas. Most of these flights take place during Annual Camps when Cadets visit an RAF Station.

Those Air Cadets with an aptitude for flying can apply for a number of courses, including Flying and Gliding Scholarships.

Gliding

The Starting point for your gliding experience will be at RAF Halton flying in a Vigilant motor gliders.

You will begin by attending, with others cadets from the Squadron to be taught the Gliding Induction Course (GIC).

The GIC has been designed to give you a taste for Air Cadet Gliding and consists of 3 different levels of instruction.

You will be shown various aspects of aerodynamics that you will have been taught in the classroom before being taught the ”effects of controls” in the air.

You will have the opportunity to take control and practice what you have learned.

On your first visit you will be taught the GIC 1 and your subsequent visits you will progress to GIC 2 and 3.

After you have completed the course, you will be awarded a GIC certificate.