Alex Flying High on Cloud Nine!

A Longbenton Air Cadet is on cloud nine after earning his flying wings! After undergoing a selection day, which assessed his aptitude, knowledge and skills in a simulated environment, Alex McGowan, 17, bagged himself a prestigious flying scholarship. The Longbenton High school student went to Dundee to gain his Flying Wings with Tayside Aviation. He said of the fully sponsored opportunity, “The course was the best two weeks of my life! The instructors focussed on the areas I needed to improve which helped to increase my confidence. “However, when I flew my first sortie alone I was really nervous! The pilot told me to hold the aircraft on the taxi-way and he got out, saying “Good luck in your your...

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Solo Flight for Durham Air Cadet!

A teenager from Durham was lucky enough to be selected for the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, spending two weeks training – culminating in a solo flight! James Kirton, 19, of the Gilesgate area of Durham City, was one of 186 cadets across the UK to complete the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme this year. The scheme includes 12 hours of free flying training over 2 weeks at Tayside Aviation in Dundee. Students on the course spend one week learning the basics of flying the 2-seater Aquila 211, and then in week 2 are given increasingly more control over the aircraft, culminating in the opportunity to undertake a solo flight. James said, “The feeling of flying an aircraft by yourself is truly...

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Solo Flight for Chester-le-Street Air Cadet!

A Cadet from 1507 (Chester-le-Street) Squadron was lucky enough to be selected for the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, and spent two weeks over the summer at Tayside Aviation - culminating in a solo flight! Here he tells the story in his own words: "During August 2016 I was chosen as one of 186 cadets across the Corps to complete the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme. This scheme gave me 12 hours of free flying training, with the chance of a solo flight, at Tayside Aviation, Dundee. It was one of the best experiences of my life as flying is my passion and I was given the opportunity to meet other Cadets from across the UK. There was a total of 6 Cadets on my course, 4 were...

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Sunderland Cadet is a High Flyer!

A cadet from 111 (Sunderland) Squadron recently qualified through the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme by completing a solo flight. Cadet Sergeant Gianluca Giordano, 18, completed the course following two weeks of intensive training at Tayside Aviation, Dundee.The course, which is free of charge through the Air Training Corps, prepares students for their solo flight which includes aircraft handling, air traffic control procedures and emergency drills. Cadets who complete the training and fly solo are awarded 'wings' to wear on their uniform. Sergeant Giordano said: "This was an incredible experience, I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity especially as I wish to pursue an aviation career with the Royal Air Force." Flying opportunities are available to all ATC...

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Gliding

Air Cadet gliding takes place at Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) located throughout the country which are staffed by RAFAC officers, Civilian Instructors and cadets. Gliding Squadrons operate one the winch-launched Viking glider. Gliding offers a much more "hands on" experience for cadets as the syllabus reinforces the theoretical knowledge taught on squadrons. Opportunities available to cadets are listed below. GLIDING SCHOLARSHIPS At 16 years of age cadets can apply for a gliding scholarship which provides gliding instruction of 8 hours or 40 launches to achieve their 'blue' wings. Cadets who demonstrate an aptitude for gliding are allowed a further 20% in order to achieve solo standard and gain their 'silver' wings. Some cadets will be selected to attend the VGS...

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Flying

Flying is the most exciting and prestigious of the activities offered by the Air Training Corps, and the activity that sets us above all other youth organisations in the country. AIR EXPERIENCE FLYING (AEF) Your ATC flying career will probably begin in the Grob Tutor at our local Air Experience Flight, which is based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. Squadrons are allocated a number of places each year at AEF; in addition AEF is normally included on the summer camp programme. 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 usually have the opportunity to take the controls yourself. As...

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