Gliding in the ATC

When joining, cadets are offered the chance to fly light aircraft gliders, as well as other RAF and civilian aircrafts. When flying cadets have plenty of opportunities, from aerobics in the new Grob Tutor to practicing stalls in a Grob Viking Glider.

The Viking Glider

Cadets get exiting opportunities to learn how to fly or even get scholarships for both powered flight and gliding. Every cadet will get a go at flying and/or gliding within their time at the Air Training Corps.

Gliding Awards

Gliding Induction Course (GIC)

This course provides cadets of 14 years and 6 months of age with the opportunity to learn how to perform basic manoeuvres in the upper air. The course normally a single flight of approximately 30 minutes duration enables cadets to experience practical flying training at a younger age than at that required for solo.

The Gliding Scholarship 

The course consists of up to 40 launches. The course starts of by teaching you how to fly the glider. When you are proficient at this you will be taught about circuits and what to do in emergencies, these lessons are called GIC 1,2 and 3. Then you have to be taught and then perform 13 different tasks in the glider, such as Straight and level flying, turns and take offs/landings, after completing all 13 tasks cadets have to take a multiple choice question paper and write a 2 page essay. The course is complete when you have covered all the exercises to the required standard.

If you reach this standard you will be presented with your Blue Gliding Scholarship Wings. If you show the correct aptitude you will be invited to progress to 'solo' standard and where you will need to complete a solo circuit. If this is successfully completed then you will be presented with your Silver Gliding Scholarship Wings.

Advanced Glider Training (AGT)

Cadets who have attained the Solo GS Wings and display the necessary ability to progress may be invited to become staff cadets at one of the gliding schools. As such they will have the opportunity to undergo advanced courses whereby they can attain the coveted gold AGT wings.

Blue Glider Training Badge

Cdt Thomas Lloyd

Silver (Solo) Glider Training Badge

Cpl James Bowen

Advanced (Gold) Glider Training Badge