Flying and gliding is at the heart of RAFAC. This is also an activity unique to us, no other youth organisation offers the same range of options as the Air Cadets. As an air cadet, you could find yourself piloting a glider, a small propeller aircraft or even flying in the back of one of the RAF’s service aircraft!
Not only do we offer flying and gliding experiences through our AEF (Air Experience Flight) squadrons and VGS (Volunteer Gliding Squadron) units, but also flying and gliding scholarships for those with an avid interest in flying.
AIR EXPERIENCE FLIGHT (AEF)
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Your flying career will probably begin in the Grob Tutor at an Air Experience Flight (AEF) visiting No.6 Squadron RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, our regional flight school. With an RAF or RAFVR(T) pilot at the controls you will be introduced to the effects of the controls on the aircraft and, if you wish, you will probably have the opportunity to take the controls yourself.
As you become more experiences you will get the opportunity to experience aerobatics, initially you will follow the pilot through on the controls, lightly placing your hands and feet on the control column and rudder pedals to get a feel for the control inputs required to perform the maneuver, then you may have the chance to fly the aircraft in an aerobatic maneuver yourself.
GLIDING INDUCTION COURSE (GIC)
Our gliding experience kicks off at a Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) flying Viking winch-launch gliders. Your focus, along with others from your ATC squadron, will be to complete the Gliding Induction Course (GIC).
​Designed to give you a taste for Air Cadet Gliding, the GIC consists of three levels of instruction. On your first visit you'll be taught the GIC 1. Later visits will cover GIC 2 and 3. In these levels you'll learn all about aerodynamics and controlling the aircraft, first in a classroom, then taking control and practising what you've learned in the air.
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After you've completed the course, you'll be awarded a GIC certificate.
FLYING OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to GIC & AEF, cadets will have the opportunity to fly in other service aircraft. These flights normally occur during summer camp, but may be arranged locally by squadron commanders and can include flights as a passenger in a fast jet, onboard a tanker aircraft on a refuelling sortie or as a supernumerary crew member on a transport aircraft or helicopter.
It’s not uncommon for cadets to get an overseas visit as part of an opportunity flight.
FLYING AND GLIDING SCHOLARSHIPS
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For those who show a passion for flight, and are over 16, there are a number of scholarship opportunities to apply for which can give you more time in the air and develop your skills as a pilot.
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Gliding Scholarships
If you show the aptitude to complete a gliding scholarship, you will be invited to complete 40 winch launches in the Viking whilst learning about the theory and aerodynamics of glider flight. At the end of your scholarship, you will go solo and be awarded your silver ‘G’ wings.
If you excel at your gliding scholarship, you may be invited back as a Flight Staff Cadet appointed at a VGS. This allows you to assist at the VGS with flying operations as well as receive additional instruction, allowing you to complete your gold ‘G’ wings.
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Air Cadet Pilot Scholarship
The most prestigious flying scholarship within the Air Cadets, the Air Cadet Pilot Scholarship (ACPS) takes 140 cadets a year to Tayside Aviation – a MOD-approved civilian flying school in Dundee – to receive 12 hours of flying instruction, culminating in a solo flight. The 12 hours count towards the hours needed to gain your Private Pilot’s License (PPL), potentially saving you thousands of pounds if you choose to get your Pilot’s License later in your life. By completing your solo, you will receive your gold ‘P’ wings.
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AEF Scholarships
Over-18 cadets can complete scholarships in the Grob Tutor. There are two types of scholarship available: The Pilot Navigation Training Scheme, culminating in the Silver ‘N’ wing and the Air Cadet AEF Course, which awards the Gold ‘P’ wings. These scholarships will focus more on aspects of service flying, ideal for cadets wishing to join as pilots in RAF.
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Other Scholarships
Many external organisations offer flying scholarships to air cadets, principally the Royal Air Forces Association, whose top scholarship is a fully-paid 35-hour PPL course, at the end of which you will be a fully-licensed pilot. They also offer a 12-hour course to six runners-up.
Other organisations offering flying scholarships include the Air League, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association.