Image: Grob Viking

Grob Viking

The Grob Viking (as seen above) is the main Glider that is used by the Air Training Corps to provide cadets and staff with the opportunity of unpowered flight.

There are 27 Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS's) located around the UK

The Squadrons are staffed by volunteers, and many of the pilots are cadets that have been trained to an advanced standard.

The Grob Viking is a two-seater glider allowing space for the qualified pilot and the student. It is launched by means of a winch that is towed in from the other side of the airfield

Initially a cadet will take part in Induction Courses that teach them the fundamentals of flying in an unpowered aircraft, and over time a cadet may consider applying for a Gliding Scholarship.

 

Gliding Scholarships

There are two main courses that a cadet can attend, the first aiming to get a cadet to solo standard and perform a solo circuit in the glider, and the second course is an advanced course that expands on the previous course.

Blue Wings (above) are awarded on the gliding scholarship course if a cadet completes the theory side but fails to reach the standard required for a solo flight.

Silver Wings are awarded if a cadet is competent enough to fly solo

Gold Wings are awarded to those cadets who go on to complete an Advanced Course after attaining the Silver Wings on the previous course.

 

Grob Vigilant

This is the second glider used by the ATC, but unlike the Viking this is capable of powered launch, and once in the air the engine is no longer used

This is not used as frequently as the Grob Viking

Image: Grob Vigilant