On 22nd of April, 4 cadets from 211 Squadron attended a Gliding Induction Course at RAF Abingdon, home of 612 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.

Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGSs) provide the starting point for cadets gliding experiences, with 612 VGS operating the Vigilant motor gliders. The Gliding Induction Course (GIC) provides the cadets first insight into gliding, from which they can progress to a Gliding Scholarship in which they have the opportunity to “go solo”, flying a solo circuit of the airfield – often before the cadet has even passed their Driving Test!

The weather held out enough for all the cadets to experience the thrill of gliding through the skies above the Thames Valley, soaring on the thermals and updrafts around the Ridgeway – with each cadets taking the controls of the aircraft and flying it themselves.