Training Courses

Introduction

The Starting point for your gliding experience will be at 634 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) which fly Vigilant motor gliders. You will begin by attending, with others from your Cadet Squadron or CCF unit, your affiliated VGS 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.

Gliding Induction Courses (GIC) are normally programmed by the Wing Gliding Liaison Officer (WGLO) and each affiliated Squadron in the Wing will be given GIC opportunities on a strict rotational basis.

To be nominated for a Gliding Scholarship (GS) course, you should apply to your Squadron Commander, in the first instance. Provided that you meet the requirements for the course, your name will be put on the nominations list by the WGLO and you will be called forward when a place becomes available at the school.

Course Overview

Course Requirements Course Details Award
GIC 1
  • Minimum age 13 years 3 months and enrolled
  • Parents' consent to fly
  • F3822 signed up
  • Ground lesson
  • 20 minutes in Vigilant T1
  • Recognition of datum attitude
  • Use of elevator in pitch
  • Certificate presented by OC VGS or deputy
GIC 2
  • Completed GIC 1
  • Ideally age 14 years or older
  • May follow directly after GIC 1
  • Ground lesson
  • 25 minutes in Vigilant T1
  • Revision of pitch
  • Use of aileron in roll
  • Certificate presented by OC VGS or deputy
GIC 3
  • Completed GIC1 and GIC 2
  • Ideally age 15 years or older
  • May follow directly after GIC 2
  • May be repeated, even after GS
  • Ground lesson
  • 30 minutes in Vigilant T1
  • Revision of pitch and roll
  • use of rudder in yaw
  • introduction to stalling
  • Certificate presented by OC VGS or deputy
GS
  • Completed at least GIC 1
  • Minimum 16 years old
  • Possess F6424 medical certificate with no doctor's comments or, have HQAC / CFMO approval
  • Minimum weight 50 Kg, maximum weight 103 Kg
  • Available for at least 5 consecutive weekends training or 1 week continuous course
  • Recommended by Squadron Commander
  • Ground lessons followed by written examination
  • 8 hours in Vigilant T1
  • Completion of air exercises 4 to 12
  • May lead to solo circuit
  • Blue wings (GS) or silver wings (GS Solo) presented by OC VGS or deputy
  • Certificate forwarded by HQAC to Wing HQ
AGT
  • Must have completed GS Solo (Silver wings)
  • Recommended by Squadron Commander
  • Desire and available to become Flight Staff Cadet at VGS
  • Selected by interview
  • Ground lessons followed by written examination
  • 2 hours in Vigilant T1
  • 5 solo circuits
  • Gold wings presented by OC VGS or deputy
  • Certificate forwarded by HQAC to Wing HQ