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?
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. 😱
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.
Excellent question Curtis. two seat gliders have dual controls so an instructor can demonstrate a manoeuvre to his/her student then the student can attempt it. If it doesn't quite go right the instructor can take back control. In fact there is a formal protocol for handing over or taking control (You have control / I have control). If you want to learn to fly, you'll almost certainly get more time in the air with a civilian gliding club, most have a cadet scheme or reduced rates for young people. go to www.gliding.co.uk to find a club close to you.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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 🤣
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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,
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!!
