Over the last few weekends, a number of cadets from 211 Squadron attended a Gliding Induction Course at RAF Abingdon, home of 612 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, which operates the Vigilant motor gliders. .

The places, arranged by Flying Officer Chris Tocher, provided a seven cadets their first gliding experience – but it is all very much hands on! Cadets are offered the opportunity to take control of the aircraft, learning about pitch, roll & yaw, and seeing how the controls affect the aircraft.

When the cadets reach their 16th Birthday the cadets are able to 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! Recent Gliding Scholarships awarded to Newbury Cadets include FS Richard Hobbs and Sgt Oliver Holman.

Flying and Gliding are two aspects of the Squadrons busy activity calendar, but are always well attended & supported by the cadets - "where else can you get flying experiences for free?" remarked one cadet!