Gliding & Flying AwardsRAF Halton - RAF Syerston - RAF Henlow - RAF Wyton

Gliding Induction Course (GIC)

Aimed at cadets over 14, consisting of 3 parts each made up of one 30 minute flight in the Vigilant. This covers the basic aspects of gliding. No award at this level. 

Gliding Scholarship (GS)

The Gliding Scholarship is aimed at cadets over 16 years old. The training is more advanced than the GIC with cadets instructed in the core skills of a glider pilot. Cadets completing the course receive the blue GS wings.

Gliding Scholarship - Solo (GS)

Cadets on the gliding scholarship who show aptitude for further training and a strong motivation for gliding will be invited for more training to allow them to go solo. Any cadet completing a solo flight will receive the silver solo wings.

Advanced Gliding Training (A)

After completing the GS to solo standard it is possible for cadets to go on to do the Advanced Course. It is aimed at cadets that show an ambition to either join the RAF or the VGS as a staff member. The AGT consists of 3 stages, the first two stages completed at the VGS and the third at the Central Gliding School. During the AGT cadets will learn advanced gliding techniques including soaring.  

Glider Pilot Wings (G1 and C category)

Some cadets can go on to receive enough training to be awarded their Glider Pilot Wings. These are normally cadets who have joined the gliding school as staff cadets. These wings are more commonly seen on adult staff. 

Gliding Instructor (B instructors category & above)

Some exceptional cadets may be able to receive their gliding instructors wings, but this is very rare. You'll probably only ever see these wings on the adult staff of the VGS.

Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS) (Formally known as the RAF Flying Scholarship)

Within twelve hours of intensive training, young individuals fly solo in our two seater training aircraft. This provides the RAF with an unrivalled amount of information about potential flight crew thereby facilitating the selection process and make it easier and more reliable.

Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Scheme (ACPNS) (Formally known as the Pilot Navigation Award)

The ACPNS involves young individuals to attend a two week course with approximately 10 hours flying. This will train them in both air and ground navigation that will lead to the Air Cadet Pilot Navigator 'Wings' on successull completion of the course.