Central Gliding School

Central Gliding School. It is the principal glider training establishment for the Royal Air Force and the Air Cadet Organisation, responsible for setting instructional standards and certifying instructors. Operated by the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) and based at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire, the school ensures the continuity of military gliding proficiency across the United Kingdom.

History

The origins of the school trace back to the pre-war expansion of the Royal Air Force, with formal establishment occurring in the 1930s to support the growing Air Training Corps. Its early operations were closely tied to the British gliding movement and the National Gliding Championships. During the Second World War, its focus shifted to support airborne forces training, collaborating with units like the Glider Pilot Regiment. Post-war, it was integrated into the RAF Volunteer Reserve structure, moving to several stations including RAF Kenley and RAF Hullavington before settling at its current home. The school has been instrumental in developing Royal Air Force gliding policy and has adapted its fleet from early wooden designs to modern glass-reinforced plastic aircraft.

Organization and facilities

The school is a component of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and falls under the command of No. 6 Flying Training School RAF. Its permanent staff consists of Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) officers and civilian instructors. The primary facility at RAF Syerston features extensive hangarage, workshops, and a dedicated glider launch area. The school manages a fleet of motor gliders and sailplanes, which are deployed to support the network of Volunteer Gliding Squadrons located at stations such as RAF Cranwell and RAF Benson. This structure enables standardized training and logistical support for cadet gliding across the United Kingdom.

Training and curriculum

The core mission is to train and qualify gliding instructors for the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons. The curriculum includes initial courses for new instructors, advanced standardization training, and check flights. Trainees undergo rigorous instruction in aerodynamics, meteorology, airmanship, and emergency procedures specific to sailplane operations. A significant portion of training is conducted in the Grob G 103 and the Grob G 109 motor glider, with syllabi covering winch launching, aero-tow launch, and cross-country soaring techniques. The school also sets the operational and safety standards for all Air Cadet Organisation gliding activities.

Notable aircraft

Throughout its history, the school has operated a wide array of gliders. Early post-war types included the Slingsby T.21 and the Slingsby T.31. The Schleicher ASK 21 became a long-serving two-seat trainer. The primary fleet currently consists of the Grob G 103 Twin II Acro and the Grob G 109 motor glider. Earlier motor glider types included the Viking T1, which was a modified Schleicher ASK 13. The school has also evaluated and used various single-seat performance gliders like the Schleicher ASW 20 for advanced training purposes.

Notable alumni and instructors

Many individuals who served at or were trained by the school have achieved prominence. This includes senior Royal Air Force officers who commanded major formations, such as Group Captains and Air Commodores within the Air Cadet Organisation. Several distinguished competition pilots in the British Gliding Association received their early training through the school's programs. Furthermore, a number of RAF pilots who later saw combat in conflicts from the Falklands War to operations over Afghanistan began their flying careers with gliding instruction here.

Category:Royal Air Force training establishments Category:Gliding organizations Category:Organisations based in Nottinghamshire