622 VGS

Come on up, it's a beautiful day!

Boom and then they were all gone, must be circuits day 😉

@622VGS crewing in today at Upavon for more cadet flying, this time with 261 Sqn @aircadets. Another 10 Glider Induction Flights delivered on #FathersDay2023 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Glorious weather for the Whitsun course delivered a plethora of awards - 108 Glider Induction Sorties, 4 Gliding Scholarships, 2 Advanced Glider Training courses, 2 Grade 2 pilot awards, a winch driver, a winch instructor and an instructor annual renewal.

Well done to CWO Mondey of 1216 (Eastleigh) Squadron, Sgt Clarke of 1304 (Chippenham) Squadron and our own Sgt Chris Dykes who all completed their first solos this weekend. Following Fg Off Rutlidge completing his first solo on type as he starts his conversation to the Viking.

Congratulations to Sgt Meg McCormack who earned her Grade 1 award this weekend pictured here with the first cadet she flew from Exeter School CCF. Originally from 1010 Salisbury Sqn, Sgt McCormack started on the squadron as a cadet on a gliding scholarship.

Congratulations to Gp Capt Tom Walker awarded his Grade 1, this allows him to fly cadets on their Gliding Induction Flights. Gp Capt Walker got straight into flying cadets on a busy day, alongside the rest of the team to fly cadets from Churchers College and Vyne School CCF’s.

Sgt Dom Paul took expanded his aviation skills today thanks to ETPS (Empire Test Pilots’ School) at Boscombe Down, flying Grob G120TP and receiving a tour of the training facilities on site. Sgt Paul was nominated for the day in recognition of the hard work he puts into the VGS.

End to a chilly weekend just shy of 100 launches, GiF flying for cadets from 443 Sqn and Chichester CCF, all staff parachute trained and FS Benjamin from 14F Sqn completing his Gliding Scholarship first solo. All in a very successful weekend a real team effort to achieve.

Final flying day of 2022 above a frosty and slippery Salisbury Plain gave stable training conditions for the GIF, GS and staff training. Sunday did give opportunity for staff to get MT driving qualifications under the guidance of instructors from the JARTS at MOD Boscombe Down.

Winter returned to Upavon that didn’t stop our students from making the most of the stunning conditions and completing their Gliding Induction Flights. Cadets joined us from 2433, 2048, 1069 and 171 Squadrons this weekend, all enjoying their flights across the icy countryside.

Congratulations to Group Captain Walker one of our large team of Service Instructors who completed his Advanced Glider Training today at RAF Syerston with five solos. The second step on the way to becoming a Graded Pilot and flying cadets back at Upavon, great work.

Congratulations to Group Captain Walker one of our large team of Service Instructors who completed his Advanced Glider Training today at RAF Syerston with five solos. The second step on the way to becoming a Graded Pilot and flying cadets back at Upavon, great work.

Congratulations to Sgt Dominic Paul who completed his B2 instructor course. Sgt Paul will now deliver the GIF and GS courses to the next generation of budding pilots at Upavon. Sgt Paul being awarded his B2 by Instructor Flt Lt Annabel Maisey herself ex #622VGS #noordinaryhobby

Another fine day to commit aviation, see you up there!

Silver gliding scholarship with RAF Air cadets at 622VGS. Are you 16 and in the cadets? Apply for a gliding scholarship! instagram.com/reel/Cg18COFDz…

622VGS Summer Course instagram.com/reel/CgwhgaQjR…

@tomcousins1983 The Gliding Scholarship remains with the opportunity for solo flight if the standard is achieved.

@622VGS With the new syllabus do cadets still have the opportunity to fly solo on the week-long courses?

Start of our Scholarship summer course - 8 cadets from the southern regions are here undergoing their gliding training after being successfully selected following their applications. The cadets will be on an intensive week long course and learn all the air fundamentals.

Fantastic to welcome to RAF Syerston an all-female cast of 2 FTS Instructors and Flight Staff Cadets from 8 of our VGSs/AGSs. 24 cadets achieved a GIF over the past 3 days, in spite of the weather! Huge thanks to the entire team. A great way to start our summer engagement!