Four newly enrolled Bawtry Air Cadets recently attended central gliding school at RAF Syerston for their first opportunity to fly in a Viking Glider at 643 Squadron.  The level 1 gliding induction course (GIC) undertaken by the cadets on the day concluded their first ever flight whilst putting into practice what they have previously learnt during their academic training at the squadron. 

 

The excited first timer cadets all met up on a calm sunny morning with newly appointed IC of Bawtry Squadron, WO (ATC) Iain Kirk. Kitted out in flying suits, all the cadets received a detailed induction for the day including practical pull tests and the daily 643 squadron morning brief. The Gliding Induction Course flights, which last about 5-10 minutes dependant on the thermals in the air, cover a wide range of aspects, from ground handling, winch connection, launch control to air navigation, with the cadets given the opportunity to follow through on controls and “take control” of the glider themselves. With three flights each, the cadets certainly enjoyed the experience.

 

Whilst waiting to fly the cadets and staff were lucky enough to enjoy a short flypast from the RAF Red Arrows aerobatics team, as they were displaying locally in the area on the day.

Cadet Kathryn Pidcock commented “this has been a fantastic day throughout for me and the experience by far is one that I will remember for years to come - I can’t wait to fly again”.

 

2008 (Bawtry) Squadron is one of many Squadrons around the country and Yorkshire region which is part of the Air Training Corps, a youth organisation open to anyone aged 13-17, or over 20 for staff.  If you are interested in finding out more about Bawtry Air Cadets or want to become a member visit us at www.bawtryatc.plus.com or visit the Squadron Headquarters at Park Road, Bawtry, Doncaster on Wednesday and Friday evenings.