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GS Joining Instructions


Weekend Courses

You have been selected to undertake Gliding Scholarship (GS) training at 616 Volunteer Gliding School, Royal Air Force Henlow. The Gliding Scholarship syllabus will furnish you with about 8 hours of Gliding Training in the Vigilant Motor-Glider leading to the award of blue wings.

By the end of the course you may be selected for further training to first solo standard, leading to the award of silver Gliding Scholarship wings:  There are many factors that determine whether you will be able to fly solo or "ghosted solo" within the time available.

For outstanding trainees, there are further opportunities for you to return to 616 VGS to undergo Advanced Gliding Training (AGT) leading to the award of gold wings or even to become a Staff Cadet.

Location

616VGS is located at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire which is located approximately 5 miles north of Hitchin on the A600 Hitchin to Bedford Road. You must make your own arrangements for travelling to the VGS. On arrival at RAF Henlow, you should report to the Guardroom, who will point you in the direction of 616 VGS. You should arrive at 616 VGS by 0830 every day that you will be flying.

Contact Information:
 

Officer Commanding
616 Volunteer Gliding School
Royal Air Force Henlow
Henlow
Beds
SG16 6DN

01462 851515 Ext 7989 (Weekends Only) ask for Sqn Ldr A Tapsell
 

What you need to Bring!

On your first visit, you MUST ensure that you conform to the following requirements:

  1. Have reached the age of 16 by the first day of the course.
  2. Have the F3822 ‘Personal Details, Parents/Guardians consent to fly solo in gliders’ and ‘Certificate of fitness to undergo Glider Pilot Training’ sections completed and signed. The consent to fly signature must be that of the parent or LEGAL guardian. No other signature is acceptable.
  3. Weigh between 48 and 103Kg (108 and 232 lbs) clothed.
  4. Be in possession of the Form 6424 (Medical Certificate). You must bring this with you on the first morning of the course. This will be checked by the Duty Instructor on your first morning, who will return it to you at the end of your course.
  5. Wash kit etc (Including Shaver/Razor) if staying over.
If any of your documentation is not in order, you will not be able to start flying training.

Messing and Accommodation

Accommodation is available for Saturday nights only. You should book your own accommodation by contacting Cheryl Preston, Eurest Services 01462 851515 Extn 7427. You must book your accommodation by the Wednesday before every attendance. The cost is £1.30 per night and meals will be provided by the mess. Remember to also ask for a packed lunch as there will not be time to have a formal lunch break during the operational day! So if you don’t ask for a packed lunch when you book your room you will not get a lunch!

Security

Whilst at RAF Henlow you must have your F3822 in your possession at all times and any baggage is labelled with your name, and ‘616VGS’. Do Not leave any baggage unattended at any time.

Training Routine

Your training will take place over consecutive weekends and, each day, you will receive as much flying training as is practical. Exact course duration is impossible to predict as it depends on many factors such as serviceability of aircraft and the weather. Vigilant flying operations can only take place in certain conditions, so rain, low cloud, waterlogged runways or strong winds will all prevent us from flying.

On each day of training, you must be at 616 VGS by 0820. Do not pre-judge the weather conditions and decide not to travel to Henlow, as conditions are likely to be different at Henlow. You will normally be finished for the day by 1800 hours in winter, and 2000 hours in Summer.

Gliding takes priority over ALL other cadet activities and we do expect a firm commitment from you to attend. Courses currently cost over £2000 per trainee and if you fail to attend without adequate reason, your course will be terminated and your place given to somebody else.

Equipment

You will attend in your working blue uniform and bring your flying clothing. Remember Flying kit is still uniform and so it must be presentable, with clean foot wear and a beret. Bring sunglasses to wear when flying even in winter! When off duty, you will need civilian clothes and your wash kit. Think about what time of year it is and pack accordingly.

Cameras

Cameras may be brought and used with the permission of OC 616 or the Duty Instructor, but responsibility cannot be accepted for any items lost or damaged.

Pre-Course Reading

You should revise your knowledge of Principles of Flight and Airmanship using Air Cadet Publications 31 and 33, which are available at your Squadron. Also if your squadron has a copy of the ACP 126 then read this.

Enjoy Yourself!

Gliding is great fun, and the staff of 616 VGS will do their best to help you enjoy your course. If you have any problems during your stay with us, please talk to any of the school staff, who are all there to help you. We hope you enjoy your gliding course and look forward to seeing you at Henlow.