642 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
Royal Air Force Linton on Ouse
Gliding Induction Courses
It may be your first experience of flying in the cockpit of a small aircraft, and you may be both excited and nervous. The flight will usually last between twenty and thirty minutes, and the aim is to give you an experience of flying and give you an insight into what you will be expected to do on a Gliding Scholarship later in your cadet life.
What will it consist of?
When you arrive at Linton you will be given a brief tour of the Gliding School facilities and Briefed on Health and Safety. Then you will be given a ground brief on how to enter and leave the cockpit, how to wear the parachute and what to expect during the flight. The flight is structured to get you used to flying in a light aircraft. The Gliding Induction Course (GIC) provides the opportunity for Air Cadets to learn how to operate the Vigilant in the upper air. The course enables you to experience practical flying training before you are old enough to actually undertake a Scholarship or solo. Instructors ensure that this is a very pleasurable experience, hopefully leaving you with a thirst for more. You will be shown local sites of interest, and are free to ask questions. This is usually a very enjoyable experience for cadets.
What do I have to do to get one?
Cadets should be at least 13 years and 3 months of age and must have consent to fly signed in their record book. Cadets must also show a high level of motivation, and no temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe for the Student or the Pilot. The flight is only for between 20 and 30 minutes but will be assessed for suitability for a Gliding Scholarship. A certificate is awarded on completion.
GIC Course Content
- Introduction to the Vigilant
- Airmanship
- Using the Parachute
- Handover/ Take over Control
- In flight Cadets are shown and given the opportunity to practice a handling exercise
GIC 1
- 20 Minutes Duration
- General handling flight in the local area plus ;
- Introduction to Normal Glide Attitude
- Pitch up and down using the elevator
GIC 2
- 25 Minutes Duration
- General handling flight in the local area plus ;
- revise Pitch up and down using the elevator
- Roll left and right using Ailerons
GIC 3
- 30 minutes duration
- General handling flight in the local area plus ;
- revise Pitch up and down using the elevator
- revise Roll left and right using Ailerons
- Yaw Left and Right using rudder
- Straight Stall Demonstration
In Summary
- You should be at least 13 years and 3 months of age
- Parent's consent to fly signed in record book or 3822
- You must have a high level of motivation
- No temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe for cadet or pilot