Flying

Aviation is the Corps Primary Task

Flying takes precedence over all other Corps Activities. Flying is a precious and costly resource. Failure to take up an AEF slot, GIC slot or any other flying opportunity, not only leaves that opportunity unfulfilled, but could lead to an overall reduction in the flying provided. 

All providers of flying will only continue to provide flying opportunities if they see that they are required. All such providers are under huge financial or budgetary pressure and if, through lack of use, they perceive that their opportunities are not used and thus not required then they will most certainly look to withdraw or curtail them.

AEF (Air Experience Flying)

There are set aims and objectives for Air Cadet flying. In broad terms younger cadets are to be given priority for AEF whist the priority for gliding is for older cadets. Specifically 13, 14 and to some extent 15 year olds have priority for AEF. However all cadets remain eligible for AEF. Unit Commanders should select cadets in the order of priority as set out in the flying prospectus poster.

The prime task remains to take up the full allocation of AEF by taking up all places offered. Squadron Commanders can do this by liaising with either local Squadrons or other Units scheduled to attend AEF on the same allocation. Failure to take up slots will result in a reduction for the future as budgets are reduced to meet the perceived requirement.

The priorities drawn up against the age distribution of cadets is :-

      13 to 15 year olds inclusive:  3 - 4 flights in 2 years

      Newly recruited older cadets : one flight as soon as ready then according to age priority

      16 year old plus: 1 - 2 sorties over the remainder of cadet career. Any further flying on a top up basis only

      16 year old plus: may apply for ACPNTS (Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Training (Up to 60 tasked/year, 30 at present year 2001-2002)

      17 year old plus: on fill up basis after the younger cadets.

AEFs will have some latitude over flight times so that instead of a fixed 20 minute sortie, 15 to 30 minutes can be used dependent on the local airfield situation and the experience, ability and enthusiasm of the particular cadet.

No 5 AEF, which is based at RAF Wyton, (Not RAF Wittering on the A1, as some coach drivers seem to think)  was the first AEF to be equipped with the Grob 115E aircraft, known as the Tutor. The Grob Tutor is a side-by-side two-seat single engine low wing monoplane. 

Other Flying Scholarships

Cadets completing flying scholarships (usually for 15 to 20 hours flying) provided by other organisations (e.g. the Air League) can be considered for the award of the FSS badge. HQAC will consider each case on its merits but the following applies:

      The course must be flown at a RAF FSS accredited flying school

      The candidate must complete at least 20 hours flying, even if the individual privately funds some of those hours

      The club must confirm that the candidate has reached RAF FSS standard at 20 hours

Any cadet achieving a UK CAA or European JAR private pilots licence is entitled to wear the FSS badge regardless of where the course was conducted.

Passenger Flights In Non Service Aircraft

The Authority for flights in non-service aircraft is vested in the Regional Commandant. No such flights are to be arranged without his express written permission.  Application for such permission is to be made in writing.

If private aircraft owners approach any Unit offering flights to members of the ATC, the Unit Commander is responsible for ensuring that the full requirements of the following references are completed and that they have obtained the written approval of the Regional Commandant.

       AP 1919, para 522
       ACP 20A, ACTI 35, Annex B

Young Eagles Programme - Popular Flying Association

The 'Young Eagles' programme began in the USA, initiated by the EAA, aiming to give one million young people a free 'first flight experience' by the 100th anniversary of powered flight in December 2003. In the UK 'Young Eagles' is carried out under the auspices of the PFA and through the generosity of its members, flies approximately 1000 young people each year. The activity has been so successful in building relationships with young people and their families, and creating a less anti-aviation feeling with the general public, that the PFA has decided to continue this activity beyond December 2003, but with more of a PFA 'feel' to the certificates and ancillary activities.

Units must not allow their cadets to fly in non-service aircraft, in any circumstances where they could be considered as members of the ATC, unless the foregoing is fully complied with.

Gliding

Gliding Induction Course (GIC)

Introduction

The duration of the course is one day, during which time the cadet will receive a 20 to 30 minute flight.  The cadets chosen should enrolled and have passed 1^st Class.

GIC – Syllabus

Ground lessons 1 & 2

1st Flight 

1:  Familiarisation circuit and landing

2: Intro to normal flying attitude, airspeed, altimeter and slip

3:  Demo of pitch up and down. Student given control to repeat the exercise

4:  Demo roll (5 A of B) student to repeat

5:  Repeat of 4, student given control to fly straight legs down to 500ft AGL

Cadets Need:

Suitable clothing                             Suitable footwear

F3822 – with consent to fly              Packed meal and lunch

The following Seasonal requirements are also of use, and particular note should be taken of the fact that airfields are generally exposed and therefore cold and windy most of the time.      

Summer - sun cream and sunglasses.    

Winter – warm hats/gloves etc.

GIC Check List for Staff

You need to ensure that your nominated cadets are:

13yrs 3 months old and motivated.

F3822 endorsed with Parent’s consent to fly.

Have no temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe for cadet or pilot.

Any shortfall of cadets in your allocation is made up – even from a neighbouring Sqn.

Gliding has priority over all other Corps activities.

Problems

If problems occur on the day of flying                        -           Ring the VGS

If they occur on the day or night before flying -           Ring OC VGS / WGLO

If you have any other problems, or if the problem occurs outside of the above time limits, contact the WGLO.

The Gliding Scholarship (GS)

Applications

Cadet applications for a Gliding Scholarship will follow one of these routes:

The Squadron Commander, on the allocation of a Gliding Scholarship place to their unit, will recommend the Cadet for a course.

Cadets may apply for courses through their Squadron Commander.

Cadet Requirements

16+ years of age

Completed Leading Cadet training

Parent’s consent to fly F3822 endorsed

Fully prepared to attend the VGS on a regular basis until completion

MEDICALS – F6424

When nominated for a scholarship the cadet will receive a medical form 6424 from the WGLO with an authorisation stamp.

The cadet is to arrange with their GP to have this medical completed as soon as possible and once completed inform the WGLO of the result (pass/fail).

The cadet must retain the medical certificate and take it to the VGS.

Gliding Scholarship Cadets Travel Costs

When attending the VGS for scholarships, cadets may claim expenses of up to a max of £6.90p per return journey.

Claims can be made against public transport costs only with receipts.

In exceptional circumstances a taxi or hire car may be used provided justification accompanies the claim.

AP1919, Annex B to Chapter 10. para 5a and ACP300, Annex L to AI No 308 para 2 refers.

A Cadet’s Flying Prospectus

GIC                Gliding Induction Course

AEF               Air Experience Flying

GS                 Gliding Scholarship

ACPNS          Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Scheme

AGT               Advanced Glider Training

Free Consultation

If you have any problems or just wish to know something regarding Gliding activities:

Please contact The WGLO

VENTURE ADVENTURE – THE SKY’S THE LIMIT!