Thanks to our association with the Royal Air Force every Cadet is offered the opportunity to fly or glide during their time with 2370 Squadron.

First Flight

Most cadets take their first flight in a Grob Tutor aircraft on an Air Experience Flight at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. During their first trip, cadets will take the controls, and get used to how an aircraft feels and moves whilst airborne. Cadets may be offered the chance to experience and pilot the aircraft through aerobatic manoeuvres, before returning safely to land! Some cadets will have their first flight in a Viking powered glider at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, experiencing the gentle ascent of a take-off leading to soaring thermals and a short circuit of the field before landing.

 Taking Control

Cadets may progress further with their piloting through the Gliding Induction Course (GIC). The GIC has been designed to give cadets a taste for Air Cadet Gliding and consists of 3 different levels of instruction. Shown various aspects of aerodynamics that have been taught in the classroom, cadets then get taught the "effects of controls" in the air, where they have the opportunity to take control and practice what they have learned. On a cadets' first visit, they will be taught the GIC 1 and subsequent visits will progress to GIC 2 and 3. On completion of the course, a GIC certificate is awarded.

Going Solo

Gliding Scholarship courses are an opportunity for cadets to undergo further training and achieve Gliding Scholarship Wings. A course consists of up to 8 hours in a Vigilant to achieve GS wings. Cadets showing the necessary aptitude are invited to progress to 'solo' standard and hopefully achieve the GS Solo Wings. Should you manage this and successfully complete a solo circuit you will be entitled to wear the Silver GS wings. For some if they are invited, or apply and are accepted, to become Flight Staff Cadets there will be further training. These cadets will be trained to a much higher level and again, if successful, cadets will be entitled to wear the Gold wings denoting AGT or Advanced Glider Training.

Flying High

Cadets with an interest in joining the Royal Air Force, or who have special aptitude may apply for a Flying Scholarship. A variety of Scholarships exist, including ones offered by the Royal Air Force, as well as Scholarships offered by the Air League and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. These schemes offer cadets the opportunity to rapidly progress through lessons and ground courses leading to the award of their Private Pilot's Licence. Ask the Officer Commanding for further details.