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Cadets from the Wing are offered opportunities to fly in light aircraft, gliders as well as other RAF and civil aircraft. Cadets when flying, get to do aerobatics in the new Tutor to practicing stalls in a Vigilant motor glider.
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Tutor T Mk1 |
Some Cadets who stand out from the rest may also get the opportunity to fly on a civil airliner or go on an overseas flight in an RAF Tri-Star, VC10 or Hercules. A few cadets have also flown in a variety of other aircraft, including fast jets and the Red Arrows.
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Most cadets get to learn
how to fly, with gliding scholarships in the Vigilant. Every cadet will be able to fly during their time as an active member of an ATC squadron.
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Microlights
Cadet Warrant Officer Andy Lynn from 2409(Halton) Sqn joined Flight Sergeant James Wright of Thames Valley Wing for two weeks at RAF Halton. This was the first of the new Microlight courses. The RAF paid for 15 hours of flying training, with around 7 hours solo flying on a training course for the Restricted Private Pilots Licence (Microlights). This qualification limits solo flying within an 8-mile radius of the airfield and does not allow the carrying of passengers. The Halton & Aylesbury Branch of the RAFA made a donation which helped pay for the additional exams required for the licence, the General Flying Test and the licence itself.
Andy wrote an article of his experiences which were published in a number of aviation magazines as well as the Air Cadet. To read his article follow the Microlight link.
Flight Navigators Course
Lucy Bufton gives an insight into her Navigation Scholarship at RAF Cosford. Navigation Scholarship