Joining Instructions for Residential Courses
REPORTING
Cadets should travel in civilian clothes and report to the Main Guardroom at RAF Halton, from where they will be allocated a room and informed which mess they are to take their meals.
Cadets are to attend by 18:00 hrs on the 1st Friday of the course and report to "Main Point" near (MT Section). If you are unable to get to "Main Point" by 18:00 hours, please telephone and leave a message on 01296 623535 Ext. 6409
However, accommodation will be available from 14:00 hrs on the Friday. If a meal is required, the Airman's mess opens at 16:30 hours.
Cadets are to report to the bus stop at "Main Point" (Outside MT Section on main road) at 18:00 hours. Transport will take the cadets for the initial briefing at 613 VGS Headquarters (Hangar 4 on Airfield). Cadets must be in uniform, with berets and carrying coveralls.
There is no messing available after the 17:00 hours.
LOCATION
No. 613 Volunteer Gliding School is at RAF Station Halton, Buckinghamshire. The Station is located approximately 5 miles south of Aylesbury. The nearest town/railway station is Wendover.
ROUTING
Cadets coming by rail should travel to Wendover and continue the journey from Wendover clock tower on an Aylesbury Bus No 55 to Main Point, Halton Camp.
MAIL (Address & Telephone Number)
Post for cadets may be addressed to the cadet care of:
613 Volunteer Gliding School
RAF Halton
AYLESBURY
BUCKS, HP22 5PG
Tel: Wendover 01296 623535 Ext. 6409
Fax 6287
Any other correspondence should be addressed to Officer Commanding 613 VGS at this address.
MEDICALS
Each cadet must have been medically examined and must have in his/her possession RAF Form 6424 (Medical Certificate of Fitness to undergo Glider Pilot Training). Without this certificate a cadet will not be allowed to fly. Parents should provide a written notice of any other medical or physical condition that may affect flying, e.g., hay fever etc.
SECURITY
All MOD Establishments operate at a high level of security. It is important that all cadets are correctly identified (by Cadet Record of Service Book) which must be carried at all times, on and off duty when moving around the Station. All baggage must be clearly marked with the cadets name, rank, ATC/CCF Sqn and unit (VGS) attached. Any visitors' vehicles will require special temporary passes, obtained at the Guardroom. All visitors' baggage and vehicles may be subject to search by security forces.
CASH & VALUABLES
Cash & valuables may be left for safe custody under lock & key with Officer IC cadets, but responsibility cannot be accepted for articles lost or damaged. Lockers in the cadet blocks do have wardrobes that can be secured with a small padlock. (You have to supply the padlock)
CAMERAS
Cameras are welcome and can be used in the aircraft. A briefing on rules relating to photography on the station will be given.
DEPARTURE
The last day of the course and day of departure will be Sunday with a anticipated pick-up time for cadets of 1pm from 613 VGS HQ. If cadets are unable to complete their journey home by midnight, they may remain at RAF Halton overnight. If an extra night is required, OC 613VGSis to be informed prior to your arrival.
MESSING FEE
The messing fee is £30. Cadets of ATC Squadrons, who are members of a family in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit, are exempt from food charges and individual cadets may claim exemption. Cadets wishing to claim exemption must inform their Squadron Commander who will notify OC 613 VGS prior to the commencement of the course. The messing fee will be collected during initial briefing. Cheques made payable to "Public Sub Account HMG "
Cadets are advised to bring pocket money. The RAF will not provide additional cold drinks during the day and cadets are advised to bring a container for storage of drinks whilst at the airfield.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
See link for suggested kit list
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
This course is suitable for your Gold Residential Project. Please inform the staff at the initial briefing if you want to be assessed for this section of the Award Scheme.