Air Cadet's 1st glider flight

[@mmcbey1401]

I was an Air Cadet 50 (!) years ago and the thrill of flight has never left me. Looking back, my time in the ATC helped make me a better person.

[@richarddann]

Mike, by the looks of your profile picture you are a hang glider pilot. If you can be temped back to something easier on the undercarriage (legs)you can find a local gliding club at www.gliding.co.uk, you'll probably find a number of people of a similar age.

[@rappedup974]

Mike McBey I want to join the airforce cadets

[@jamesrocher8914]

TheProGamer Of hell just go to your nearest cadet place and sign up that’s what I did and it’s enjoyable

[@rappedup974]

James Rocher thanks

[@haydnvonmed6624]

Hello good sir, i wanna join air cadets just army is cooler to me

[@bobmcewen889]

As a 16 year old I did my A & B licenses in 1967 at RAF Hendon in Cadet Mk3s - they had the aerodynamic capabilities of a house-brick. Nevertheless, that one week course, culminating in three solo flights was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my entire life. At age 70 I look back with very fond memories of the opportunities afforded me by the RAF Cadets and am disappointed that the youngsters of today don't have the same access to flying/gliding we had back then.

[@kittencam5219]

I’m completing my drill training tomorrow so I actually get out of the coveralls into new uniform

[@a7moh803]

KITTEN CAM wow

[@a7moh803]

Well drill is quiet hard

[@fishron5594]

A7 Moh not particularly, the main thing that’s important is to get your timings right

[@elise_7777]

@@a7moh803 it's not that difficult once you know what the commands mean

[@kadicollantine4734]

@@humanbean1340 started Jan basic 3 and in uniform but now vertual x

[@Tim091]

My one time gliding in the ATC (mid 1970's) was in a open cockpit, side by side type. It was a bitterly cold day and the flight lasted about seven minutes! Towed up, circuit, land. Still a thrill for a 14 year old though!

[@duncanward1718]

Had my first glide as a cadet at Catterick between white outs. Fantastic, but thank God they left the old Sedburg in the hanger.

[@CanadianAviation12]

He sounds kinda have like Tom cruise in top gun

[@Gumrip]

Ye

[@callummaxwell7331]

CanadianAviation 12 except Tom cruise wasn’t flying a glider 🤣

[@chriscarter8830]

This took me back to about 6 years ago, nowadays I'm flying F-35A, B and C, hope you upgrade to that to buddy!

[@muttosaur1813]

Wow that would be awesome!

[@nselva0612]

blimey

[@brotherstomp5264]

Amazing

[@playversetv3877]

but whats the point of flying them? we're not in war

[@pringleaddict5827]

@@playversetv3877 yet

[@Alessandrolupo7]

Anyone here in lockdown lol, I’m joining the air cadets in a couple of months , signed up already . I am so excited for this opportunity . I want to see what it’s like as in the future I want to be in the Air Force like my relatives.

[@lordpreminger]

You made the right decision 😁 I joined in September and finished training in January. My squadron already got the new training flight in however I feel bad for them they only had a few meetings before lockdown 😂 You will definitely enjoy it at air cadets just stay away from the army and sea cadets we don’t like them 😂

[@loghank5718]

Army cadets all da way

[@lordpreminger]

Loghan K ewwwwww army cadets

[@loghank5718]

@@lordpreminger army cadets all da way cause it better

[@lordpreminger]

@@loghank5718 in what way, all you do is shoot guns drive tanks and obstacle courses

[@floatingclouds8795]

Had my first glider flight with the air cadets (canada) yesterday in the schwizer sgs 2-33 and it was the best experience ever.

[@Joshua-Rob1nson]

Joining RAF cadets soon looking forward to it

[@oli7745]

I’m joining air cadets soon 👍

[@veronqeriqi4547]

011Y_H0W35 me to

[@exaili3898]

Definitely a choice worth taking

[@zanix1116]

same

[@cozmopc]

Same

[@anonymous-iu4th]

I'm in it it's amazing been flighing and I'm going gliding on saturday

[@oskarrychlewicz8932]

I'm starting Air cadets next year and I cannot wait to try this out, I'm so excited.

[@tegan370]

Which one are you going to?

[@alexlees1199]

Yo, should be joining the air cadets soon. Super exited and cant wait!!!

[@theoldplankwoodworks2415]

First glider flight with the ATC was back in 84 in open cockpit gliders at RAF Locking. In 87 got to fly in the brand new ones at Upavon.....like going from. Ford Escort to a M3😀

[@thecallow2381]

I flew at Locking as well , 80/83

[@amarg.247]

I recently did mine in upavon

[@theoldplankwoodworks2415]

@@amarg.247 I was at 2196 SqnTrowbridge

[@rach623]

My boys is 13 and just been selected to go gliding on the 20th of August at RAF Toppcliffe. Excited for him but I’m also nervous. 😂

[@tledger1716]

I joined air cadets a couple months a go but i broke my ankle and haven’t been able to go in a while

[@short.8969]

don't care

[@killer1963daddy]

Rcac 353 squadron in the 70's Flying in those gliders back then is still one of the best experiences I've ever had. 😊

[@richarddann]

Find a gliding club at www.gliding.co.uk. Any club with open membership will he happy to offer you a trial lesson. If you want to learn to fly they can teach you.

[@Gods_Aviator]

I am a sea cadet!! I am a big fan of the RAF and I am an aspiring pilot! I really want to join you guys one day! It would be an honour! 😁😄😃😆😀

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

Kids today have it easy lol in my day in the ATC we had open cockpits and Slingsby T31 gliders, gained my wings May 1969 616 gliding school RAF Henlow. Worse part was when they sent out the Land Rover to pick you up and they drove over the biggest bumps they could find Ah happy days

[@Silver_Cherry1]

Im going gliding next week on Sunday and I’ve only been at cadets for 10 months..! Wasn’t expecting to be thrown into it so quickly to be honest, and kind of nervous ill screw up as I finished my first class months ago. I’ve only known I’m going for about a week, so it will be interesting..! Any tips?? Did it 2 weeks ago, and it was the best thing in my life!

[@Samxxcl]

hey im thinking about joining air cadets but yk im a bit you know big you think i will be fine?

[@montyfly24]

@@Samxxcl I’m sure you’d be okay to join. I’m an air cadet myself (4 years) and they are pretty inclusive. I was a bit… i suppose on the ‘big’ size when i joined but weight shouldn’t stop you from experiencing something. I know with the gliders there is a max and minimum weight but there is quite a large gap between so they try to include everyone no matter weight, height etc. i’m hoping to stay on cadets for my last sixth form year and when i take a gap year. I joined at a horrible time - just before COVID hit and had only experienced band then. I’ve only just started being able to experience flights like this - currently waiting for dates on my glider scholarship (another thing you can do through the cadets) - i’ve lost weight since i joined but that’s because i plan on applying for the RAF after taking a gap year. Cadets is about experiencing these sorts of things. and i’m sure you’d have no problem joining! it would be worth contacting your nearest squadron for when their open evening is or when they take in new recruits. those evenings give you a lot of information on what we do and you’ll see how diverse the squadron is. but across the country, there’s a lot of diversity and inclusivity.

[@islagibson6775]

@@montyfly24 how old were you when you first did a flight like the young man in the video?

[@CallSignKilo_]

Yea I'm on the list to go flying next week and I haven't even finished first class 🤣 I've been with the air cadets for only about a month or two but hey 🤣

[@islagibson6775]

@@CallSignKilo_ do you have to be a certain age to do it?

[@cubou4474]

Im so excieted i joined the Air cadets like 6 months ago and now im already going on my first Gliding flight, im so excited

[@babygodzillarblx8514]

I’m so excited for you man I’m joining next year or this year

[@patrickhooker5697]

1990 s cfb northbay had the f18 squadron. This is where our air cadet squadron the Northstars would go to glide. F18s would do touch and gos while we waiting our turns to go up in gliders. They would also roar by the gliders in flight.

[@frazerhorley4514]

as a 14 year old jnco i can tell this guy was nervous but he was very good Well done!

[@Heneling]

Just got selected to do this! Looks good

[@Coroy2008]

Great landing!

[@bigglesace1626]

I got my A & B solo cert around 1972 at Spitalgate. Seems unreal now, 26 launches in a Mk 3, 90 minutes then 3 solos You wouldn't let someone drive a car solo nowadays, after 90 minutes tuition, aged 16, lol. Happy days. Went on to be a staff cadet at 635 GS, Burtonwood and then did a bit of gliding at Blackpool & Fylde, Chipping. Family stuff took over then but took up microlighting later and did 750 hours with an engine - cheating, I know, but flying is flying.

[@Heheboi665]

wow, im part of air cadets but i havnt flown yet solo, i hope i get to do that one day

[@galewho1521]

Nice dam job that was amazing

[@navixiia1428]

I’m starting air cadets to get closer of my dream to be a pilot!:)

[@Hello-yp2zg]

being a pilot would be so fun. retire early so you aren’t working when you are old and tired along with a good salary and pension

[@dylannnnnnnnn]

@@Hello-yp2zg go away

[@zyxity291]

@@dylannnnnnnnn what are you talking about why are you being salty? He was just talking about the benefits of being a pilot...

[@Only1TeamInDevon]

Im going to my first air cadet lesson tonight! :D

[@Only1TeamInDevon]

@Life I go twice a week. It's great!

[@sweatplayz5331]

As a member of the Civil Air Patrol, (USA version of RAFAC), it is fascinating to learn that yall get practically the same opportunities that we get when it comes to flying. Do you guys get to do powered flights as well?

[@Cupofwater12345]

im joining the cadets this month and im 15 wish me luck lads

[@Formula1st]

How’s it going?

[@frankwalker8042]

I am joining the cadets soon

[@Nutmeg_is-hi]

Im thinking of becoming an air cadet currently, any things i should know about before i step out of my comfort zone?

[@whywontthiswork]

My dream is to become a pilot

[@Joe2005Maxip]

I am trying to join a club in British Gliding Association, but I have been wondering, do I need to buy my own glider to do so?

[@richarddann]

No, clubs will each own a number of gliders, primarily two seater trainers that can be used by members, you usually pay for flying time by the minute and most clubs have reduced fees for young members. Instruction is usually free. The BGA's web site, www.gliding.co.uk, has details of all member clubs and links to their web sites.Most clubs offer trial lessons and introductory membership so you can which whether its for you before committing to a full year's membership

[@workshopz6646]

I’m thinking of switching from sea, to air, but I don’t really know if it is good to switch.

[@nickymcdowell5512]

Looks fun ive done my virtual flight just waiting on doing my real flight in the grand tutor to get my blue wings badge what squadron are you in?

[@richarddann]

Shalbourne Gliding is a member club of the British Gliding Association, not part of the Air Cadets. Club membership is open to all and we train members to solo flying standard and beyond using the BGA flying syllabus.

[@mikeplayz3424]

Isn't it the grob tutor

[@retronacious]

@@mikeplayz3424no, grob tutor is a plane this is a glider

[@burningthefields]

I fly in squad 1224

[@jamesrocher8914]

My squadron number is 135

[@viper56tl36]

Just a couple questions and concerns because I’m actually looking to join the raf air cadets… how difficult is it to fly the glider? I imagine it’s something you get used to and I know I’m in good hands but I just worry about things. Any feedback on good things and bad things would be extremely helpful

[@richarddann]

Flying training is done in dual control aircraft, your instructor will demonstrate each exercise before you attempt it. If things don't go to plan he can take over and put things right. Everyone is different training can be paced for each student pilot, safety is paramount.

[@viper56tl36]

@@richarddann thank you very much :)

[@ern3st125]

Lol cant wait to join the air cadets

[@dhanigajjar2840]

Same

[@patheticattemptforcurtbrog924]

Your welcome on your 100th sub

[@TITANOS305]

i am joining air cadets in squadton 130 bournemouth on 4th of october and i can not wait to do this i know it will take a while though

[@Gumrip]

I got neverous from that iv only just started

[@cheezy3202]

You can see the adrenaline going thought him during takeoff

[@justablackmanchilling]

Me and da boys getting ready for WWIII

[@michaelhoffmann2891]

As someone with few hours in a glider, but many more in powered aircraft, I always felt uncomfortable when there isn't a big noise-maker. Me screaming doesn't count. 😆 The only thing I like even less is when the noise-maker should be making noise but no longer does and I have to become a glider pilot right there and then. 😱

[@stewartlove2356]

cable released its self? as in a back release or you" pole bended" and broke it? :)

[@gamingwithowen2707]

300th like and also I only need to wait 1.5 years to finally join the cadets

[@781rcac]

im only 13 but im gonna start my aviation career at some point early in my life and i know it.

[@richarddann]

The earliest you can legally fly solo in the UK is 14 so 13 is a good time to start learning. There are roughly 100 gliding clubs around the UK who are happy to teach all ages from about 10 up (and big enough to reach the controls) so you could get one of your parents to learn as well (but not as fast). Go to www.gliding.co.uk to find clubs local to you.

[@keelantheengineer6493]

I am enrolling in cadets soon

[@kinneyman1627]

I’m going in the glider tomorrow!!

[@yarmannn]

Shrek The Turd what squadron u in?

[@cheems1608]

How was it

[@ytmelady1261]

I’m in the RAF

[@jamesharvey1212]

Yeah right

[@jonapple2325]

Not a single person in the RAF would have such stupidity as to post this

[@diqital_aviator]

2 years and still not flown at all, love the cadets though

[@mr_sharp]

Going on my first glider in 3 days, looks like it will be alot if fun.

[@finaldawn1666]

was it fun?

[@mr_sharp]

@@finaldawn1666 Yes, very fun

[@rubentelur]

How old do you have to be to fly a glider

[@mr_sharp]

@@rubentelur I believe you have to be thirteen. I would ask your squadron staff about it.

[@kaylalux2125]

i was meant to join air cadets last month after my irthday but because of covid-19 i wasnt able to so my dreams have to wait :(

[@richarddann]

There are a lot of frustrated pilots out there! Unfortunately because you can't practically social distance in a 2 seat aircraft we could well be stuck on the ground for some time. There are options other than the Air Cadets but the situation is the same for everyone at the moment.

[@lordpreminger]

My squadron brought the new training flight a fortnight before lockdown they only got around 4-5 meetings but don’t worry! The air cadets are going to start again as soon as possible, most squadrons (including mine) are even doing virtual meetings so I’m sure as soon as lockdown is over you will get a chance to sign up! In the meantime don’t get brainwashed into army or sea cadets 😂

[@kaylalux2125]

ziemniak_online aha thanks have fun with your online meeting my air cadets the night I started got closed but hopefully open soon and I would never get brainwashed into sea cadets or army cadets 🤣

[@richarddann]

The DoT announced a relaxation of the lockdown regarding general aviation yesterday, 15th May, social distancing requirements mean that training flights are not possible (unless student and instructor live together). While on the ground there is plenty to learn. As well as things directly connected with flying there are the things like how to check your aircraft is fit for flight (you don't want to find after take off that it is not).

[@frederickmartin531]

Im in air cadets legit signed up 2 weeks ago i will join in September

[@britishjack6901]

Going flying 2 days glider can’t wait

[@AceTac]

how old r u?

[@britishjack6901]

@@AceTac 14 also I just did gliding today bit early

[@britishjack6901]

@@AceTac why?

[@BPBadAbyss2]

I’ve been in the ATC 5 yrs I’m a sergeant and still haven’t been flying it’s so annoying

[@eng9040]

An instructor saying emmm, emmmm, should not be instructing.

[@Cxndor]

It really is amazing I did it today definitely worth it

[@deadoldchannel4237]

How long do you have to be in the air cadets for to do the flight ?

[@richarddann]

Ask the Air Cadets that question. I'm an instructor in a civilian club. To find a gliding club near you go to www.gliding.co.uk. All introductory flights, details can be found on their web sites.

[@JQ3B94]

I have been a air cadet for a year and I went after ground school

[@deadoldchannel4237]

thanks for the info :D

[@chrisytvlogsgamesmore1163]

AnnieLovesAnimals no how long do you have to be in cadets

[@ltxlaunchpadding3721]

As Long As Your Over 13 And 3 months and in uniform you can go :)

[@1990pommie]

14yr old grandson in flight training school sw france goes up on weekend gvt future pilot training program he is canadian living in france also has finnish citizenship totaly bilingual perennial honour student,

[@idek7184]

i might be joining the air cadets so. -_-

[@roniya7071]

same

[@oshit431]

have you joined cause i’ve been wondering and i’m a bit worried about what it will be like

[@lordpreminger]

O Shit I have been an air cadet since September and it has been amazing I always looked (coronavirus ☹️) forward to every parade night! I know that cadets is not for some people; when I explain to people what happens on a regular parade night they sometimes wonder why I love cadets XD I’d say if you like marching for extended amounts of time and if you have general interest in aviation/ sometimes geography definitely sign up! I was also worried about what the existing cadets will think of me when I join. I was lucky enough to join with my best friend so I wasn’t lonely during training and I’d recommend you’d join with a friend if you can as well. Most of the cadets were very welcoming and nice, while they do make fun of your awful marching 😂 as soon as you get the grip of it and learn to march you blend in with them entirely and it’s like one big family. It is quite hard to explain what cadets is really like but it has been a very good experience and it has taught me quite a lot. As soon as the virus is over, join!!!

[@oshit431]

ziemniak_online thankyou !

[@finber15]

Does it make your tummy go when you accelerate?

[@AceTac]

you dont accelerate its a glider

[@the_milk_man0811]

Swear to god this guy l9ok like top gun

[@robd2184]

Air cadets spurred my whole career - from glider solo to 787 captain !

[@marzenakawalec1797]

Hoping to take your exact route. Sadly I couldnt start cadets as a club because of this stupid pandemic and am now planning on taking it for GCSE's.

[@robd2184]

@@marzenakawalec1797 , best of luck, I hope once covid goes the industry will recover in the next 5 years

[@marzenakawalec1797]

@@robd2184 Yeah me too, Otherwise getting a job will be horrible.

[@robd2184]

@@marzenakawalec1797 , indeed my company made 1000 plus pilots redundant . There’s about 15000 looking for work in Europe . I’m giving up and looking outside aviation after 28 years of it

[@_____tavicado_____8416]

How did the glider take off so quick with out a tow

[@stevederkely6109]

It had a winch

[@Progamer-rj3jj]

I wanna join air cadets so I wanna know do all cadets get a chance to fly

[@richarddann]

If you want to learn to fly, find your local gliding club at www.gliding.co.uk. Most have significantly discounted rates for juniors and some have they own cadet schemes. Their focus will be teaching you to fly rather than about things military.

[@StayMotivated693]

I’m abt to join the Air Force cadets when the my approve my application

[@aidenaviation]

Do you fly planes like the Cessna 172 in the air cadets

[@Steveb7281]

Memories!

[@lxke.317]

That’s so lucky I had to do mine in blues!

[@Heneling]

💀

[@koffeanan]

Just gotta ask. Is there an Autopilot for emergencies

[@richarddann]

No, humans are far better at handling eventualities than any machine, particularly anything unpredictable.

[@keegan773]

Thumbs up for Shalbourne Soaring Society.

[@lscgaming8789]

How old do you need to be to glide in the raf cadets?

[@noobtube8195]

LSC Gaming87 13 and three months

[@lscgaming8789]

Oh thanks

[@krakenburger56]

@@lscgaming8789 As far as Im concerned its 12 years old

[@kittencam5219]

It’s from when you start but you need to 13 and a half to fly the vigilant (standard issue air cadet plane)

[@krakenburger56]

@@kittencam5219 oh interesting

[@sebastianvelez9525]

Have an Air Cadet exam tomorrow apparently (they told us it was happening but it’s not on the official schedule) and if I don’t pass I get kicked out. One I three don’t pass

[@elise_7777]

How did it go

[@muttosaur1813]

I would love to join is masterton, but my parents are to lazy to drive me.

[@pompeymonkey3271]

Ride your bike there then.

[@muttosaur1813]

@@pompeymonkey3271 I can’t because I live in the country and also I’m joining army cadets instead

[@CB-fz3li]

2.13 lol it's maverick!!!

[@Forged_royale]

At what age can you do this?

[@LolLol-zk8fc]

So we let young children fly planes but we can learn to drive cars at 16?

[@richarddann]

I doubt many 14 year olds would want to be categorised as young children but 14 is the youngest anyone in the UK and Europe can fly an aircraft solo. Glider flying does not yet require a pilot's licence (that is in the pipeline) but you cannot qualify for a license (or equivalent until the age of 16), up to that point you are classed as a student pilot and restricted on where you can go.You can start learning to fly before 14, the main thing is being large enough to see out and to operate the controls but it is rare to start serious training until close to 14. Apart from completing all the training exercises a key requirement for anyone to be allowed to fly solo is to convince an instructor that you can fly safely in any situation you may face.Anyone who does go solo at 14 is likely to attract the attention of the local press, in a good way.

[@go0se706]

Planes are safer than cars

[@bigspear4358]

@@richarddann I once knew someone who did a solo flight from yorkshire to cornwall for his sixteenth birthday

[@Scranner]

The the raf in the uk you have to be 14+ to use a glider but you have to go with an instructor for safety reasons

[@beastedbro5780]

Richard Dann how old do u have to be to join the air cadets

[@200IQu]

I’m joining air cadets at 12

[@freckledpickle1139]

Is this in the UK in the USA we have the civil air patrol and the sea cadets

[@richarddann]

Yes this in the UK where the Air Cadets are run by the RAF. This flight was a little unusual in that the cadet was flying with a civilian club.

[@freckledpickle1139]

@@richarddann thanks just wondering

[@freckledpickle1139]

@@richarddann are you in the air cadets

[@richarddann]

@@freckledpickle1139 No, I'm the BGA instructor in the back seat

[@spritenaya1799]

Whats that vent thing on the right of the glass?

[@richarddann]

It's a Direct Vission (DV) panel. It can be opened to give clear site of the ground should the canopy become heavily missed etc. (not that common but important to be prepared for) but it is mainly used it increase ventilation. So by calling it a vent you pretty much had it worked out 😉

[@daniel2134]

I would crash

[@argamingthomson8234]

I will be shitting myself

[@stornkle765]

I’m 16 and have been in the army cadets for three years I have just quit and am joining air cadets how long will it take before I’m ready to fly?

[@wazzock2767]

Blap Wakah smart move. Air cadets are better. You can fly as soon as there’s and opportunity.

[@dylannnnnnnnn]

@@wazzock2767 haha lol yup

[@justhereforalaugh1660]

Never flown before and planning on joining air cadets soon, this video made me feel sick watching 😂😂, any advice?

[@richarddann]

Would that be a car sick feeling? The view looking backwards is unusual so that might not be helpful if viewed on a big screen. You won't know how you will react until you try it. Very often once you start having some control motion sickness will disappear, as your brain is no longer getting confusing signals.

[@NorthWestRailways]

What glider is that? Defo not a Viking..

[@kieran7943]

So this was actually at a civilian gliding club, the squadron got tired of having no gliding slots so we got some cadets up in the air by our own means

[@TheBritishBat]

Do you pull many g’s in this flight

[@richarddann]

Nothing significant. The most is probably the initial acceleration; you can go from zero to 50kts in a couple of seconds. Gliders are generally stressed to take 3.5G but it is rare to go anywhere near there.

[@jackdies3038]

Do you go a private school or kings?

[@dylannnnnnnnn]

I go to a small town school which is not private and I still am in air cadets in 455 squadron.

[@Core.core.c]

Do you get to fly the plane or only him

[@richarddann]

At about 4 mins in you will see the instructor's demonstration of the effects of controls and the cadet's first attempt in a glider (he had flown in other aircraft so wasn't considered a complete beginner)

[@joshandollyplays1049]

Wait was he flying it or

[@SelfproclaimedDCSdebriefer]

And at 2:39 this gentleman became infected with the flying bug. It’s incurable.

[@THEBBB]

Going gliding on Sunday

[@WembleyGaming]

THE BBB Topcliffe?

[@THEBBB]

TWVG yes

[@WembleyGaming]

i went on sunday 6th may exactly 1 month ago today.

[@anonymous-iu4th]

I'm going gliding on saturday

[@jaceisdecent1651]

How was ur gliding lmfao

[@velocitysnipez1396]

If I were u I’d be shitting my pants

[@cathyliva6382]

Commercials for sure

[@Heneling]

wdym?

[@atent5124]

Nope this was a cadet from my squadron hehe

[@amelia_glider_pilot16]

Air cadet- I know everything about gliders! (only done one flight). Pre-solo air cadet glider pilot- 80 launches under her belt. I know how a glider works!!

[@jasonoliver7030]

Houston I see a problem

[@ethanyiu491]

Holy shit, for some reason, “Air Cadets” just triggers me.