Volunteer Gliding Squadrons

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons are specialist units of the Royal Air Force that provide sport gliding and elementary flying training to members of the Air Cadet Organisation. Operating a fleet of motor gliders and sailplanes from airfields across the United Kingdom, these squadrons are staffed primarily by volunteer instructors from the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch). Their core mission is to foster aviation interest and develop key skills within the cadet community, forming an integral part of the national youth development programme.

History and origins

The origins of Volunteer Gliding Squadrons trace back to the immediate post-Second World War period, when the Air Training Corps sought to formalise and expand its gliding activities. Initial training was conducted using primary gliders like the Slingsby Cadet at various RAF stations. The formation of the first official squadrons in the late 1940s, under the oversight of RAF Central Flying School, standardised instruction. A significant evolution occurred in the 1970s with the introduction of the Slingsby Venture T2 and later the Grob Viking, which modernised the fleet. The organisational structure was further refined under the command of No. 2 Flying Training School at RAF Syerston, consolidating their place within the broader RAF training framework.

Organisation and structure

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons are organised geographically under the RAF Air Cadets headquarters, aligned with the regions of the Air Training Corps. Each squadron is typically based at a dedicated gliding site, often a former military airfield or a satellite of a major Royal Air Force station such as RAF Halton or RAF Cranwell. Command is exercised by a Commanding Officer, usually a RAF officer from the Volunteer Reserve, supported by a team of civilian and uniformed staff. The squadrons fall under the operational control of the Central Flying School for training standards and are administratively managed by the Gliding Directorate.

Training and operations

Training follows a progressive syllabus designed by the Central Flying School, beginning with basic aerotow or winch launch procedures in the Grob Viking T1. Cadets from the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force are taught fundamental aviation principles, aircraft handling, and aerial meteorology. Operations are conducted primarily at weekends and during school holidays, with courses culminating in solo flights and the award of the Blue Glider Wings badge. Advanced training includes cross-country flying and preparation for the BGA Silver Badge, with some cadets progressing to become instructors themselves within the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch).

Aircraft and equipment

The primary aircraft used since the early 2000s is the Grob Viking T1 tandem-seat sailplane, employed for basic and advanced glider training. For powered flying instruction, squadrons operate the Grob Vigilant T1 self-launching motor glider. Launch methods include ground-based winch systems and aerotows, often provided by the tug aircraft of a neighbouring squadron or contract operators. Support equipment encompasses tow vehicles, airband radios, and weather monitoring instruments. The fleet is maintained under strict Ministry of Defence engineering standards, with major overhauls conducted at RAF Brize Norton and other maintenance units.

Role within the Air Cadet Organisation

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons constitute the principal flying training arm of the Air Cadet Organisation, directly supporting the aims of the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force. Their role is pivotal in delivering the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, which aims to identify and nurture future pilots for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, and British Army Air Corps. Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasises personal leadership, teamwork, and resilience, contributing to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and other cadet qualifications. This early exposure to military aviation culture provides a foundational pathway for cadets considering careers with the Royal Air Force or in the wider civil aviation sector.

Category:Royal Air Force training units Category:Air Cadet Organisation Category:Gliding organizations