ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for GS or AGT a cadet must:
Be aged 16 years or over.
Be a Leading Cadet (or be ready to sit the next Leading Cadet examinations).
Have the Parent's/Guardian's Consent to Fly Certificate in RAF Form 3822 signed.
Pass the medical examination. Usually done by Cadets on Doctor.
SELECTION
ATC Sqn Commanders should take into account the following guidelines when selecting a cadet for gliding experience or training:
Motivation
The cadet must have a genuine wish to undertake gliding experience or training. This is particularly important in the case of GS when a first solo is in prospect.
It is a mistake to pressure a cadet who is not keen, or is too nervous. Lack of interest makes gliding training difficult and is a de-motivator for the cadet.
Knowledge
For all levels of training above GIC, cadets must have passed the examinations in principles of flight and aircraft operations.
Often this knowledge has been forgotten, or is very rusty and the VGS staff have to spend time re-teaching the basic principles of flight. Simple revision beforehand is very beneficial and saves valuable time which can be spent in the air.
Mental Skill and Physique
The cadet must have sufficient command of the English language and be bright enough to absorb flying instruction, bearing in mind that verbal communication in the air can be difficult.
Flight safety can be compromised if the cadet is of low mentality and unable to understand and act upon instructions in an emergency. A small number of cadets lack the appropriate mental skills and should not be selected.
There are certain physical criteria which affect selection of cadets for training in the different types of glider.
Guidelines are set out in Annex B.
If a Sqn Cdr is in doubt about a cadet's physical or mental suitability, advice is to be obtained from the VGS at an early stage. In particular, the demoralising situation whereby cadets are selected and sent to a VGS and are then found to be physically or mentally unsuitable for gliding must be avoided.
Ability to Attend
The cadet must be capable of travelling to the gliding school, and in the
case of weekend GS, be able to promise regular attendance for a period of 4 to 6
weekends. A cadet who fails to attend a training course wastes resources and
deprives other cadets of valuable gliding opportunities. Factors to be
considered are:
- Distance to the VGS from the cadet's home, available means of travel and
cost. Some costs can be claimed back from WIng HQ's - Educational commitments, particularly forthcoming exams.
- Work commitments and part-time jobs/
- Holidays, annual camps and social distractions.
- Other Corps commitments.
Authorisation
Parents or guardians consent is essential.
The appropriate entry in F3822, Record of Service Book, should be checked well ahead of the day.
Medical
For GS and AGT, the Form 6424 must be obtained and completed in
good time so that any queries can be resolved before the course starts.
Form 6424 lasts for 2 years and should, therefore, be obtained well in advance of the course start date.
Summary
Careful selection and preparation of cadets improves the training and the utilisation of valuable gliding resources. Early discussion between the ATC Sqn Cdr and the WGLO is essential to enable any problem to be resolved in good time.
ACP 20A
ACTI NO 32
32-B-1
AL 2
ANNEX B
CHECK LIST - PREPARATION OF CADET FOR GLIDING TRAINING
1. Selection. Has the cadet:
a. Reached the specified minimum age and training standard?
b. Obtained Parents’ Consent signature in F3822?
c. Been checked against the following weight and size requirements?
(1) For all flying in both Vikings and Vigilants, a maximum weight fully
clothed,
less parachute, of 103 kg.
(2) N/A
(3) For GS and AGT in the Vigilant (ie courses which involve solo) a minimum
weight fully clothed, less parachute, of 48 kg. There is no minimum for passenger
flying, or GIC in the LH seat of the Vigilant.
(4) For all Vigilant flying, a maximum height from base of spine to top of head
of
992 mm.
d. Been medically cleared iaw Annex A (Note that this is time critical. Allow at
least a
month if a query has to be referred to the CFMO).
e. Any difficulties that might interfere with regular attendance over the course
period.
Can these be resolved?
2. Reporting for Training. Does the cadet have the following:
a. Joining instructions for the gliding school?
b. F3822 Record of Service fully signed up (including Parent’s Consent and
details of
Next of Kin)?
c. F6424 and any accompanying notes?
d. The necessary railway warrant or other means of travel?
e. Sufficient money, including any messing contribution specified in the joining
instructions?
f. Appropriate clothing and footwear?
g. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses, if applicable?
h. A haircut and uniform smart enough to attend an RAF or other Service unit?