Cadet Scheme With Bristol & Gloucestershire Gliding Club

Description

Training
We will train you to a standard required to pilot a glider on your own (‘flying solo’). Initially you will fly with a qualified instructor in a dual-control training aircraft. When you have successfully completed the pre-solo part of the BGA training syllabus & the instructor thinks you are ready, you will be sent solo – your first flight on your own. Training will also include presentations & tutorials on subjects such as the theory of flight, meteorology & air law, usually when the weather is unsuitable for flying. Learning to fly will require regular attendance. You should expect to spend at least one full day each weekend at the club & as often as possible during school holidays. You will be provided with a pilot’s logbook to record your progress.

Responsibilities
A senior instructor is responsible for operating the airfield. You will be part of their team, helping to run the gliding operation alongside other cadets & adult members. Your duties will include:
Retrieving gliders using the club retrieve vehicles (needs explicit parental permission).
Ensuring the daily flying log is accurately maintained.
Connecting gliders to the tow aircraft & winch launching system.
Launching gliders using radio communications & winch signal system.
Helping prepare gliders at the start of flying & packing the hangar at completion.
Any other aviation related tasks necessary to ensure efficient flying.

Solo & Beyond
Your first solo flight is a memorable day & one you will never forget, but the learning really starts here. Becoming an accomplished pilot is a continuous process & there are many, many more goals to pursue – the BGA bronze badge, the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) silver, gold & diamond badges, cross-country flying, racing competitions, aerobatics & much more. Once you are 16 or over, you can apply for a European Sailplane Pilot Licence

Training Costs
Many people think that flying is expensive, however, when you find out how much gliding costs you might be pleasantly surprised. Cadet flying is subsidised & the instruction is free. You will pay for the launch & the flight time. A typical 30-minute training flight from a winch launch costs less than a driving lesson, & the annual cadet membership is half the price of many games consoles. Training is available 7 days a week from March to November & on demand during the winter months.