Hearty Congratulations are in order for Cadet Sergeant James Munday, of 1094 City of Ely Squadron, who recently passed his Solo Gliding Scholarship course at 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron RAF Syerston.
James attended a nine day residential course held over the Easter Holidays by 644 VGS. After a week of intensive flying lessons both practical in the Air and theory on the ground with RAFAC Gliding Instructors he flew his first solo circuit yesterday.
Today, passing his written assessment, James qualified for the new Silver RAFAC Gliding Wings which cadets will recognise as being similar to RAF Pilot’s Wings.
The new Wings badge replaces the old style silver wings and the new larger badge is worn on the left chest of the cadets jumper.
Since joining 1094 Squadron in October 2017, James has steadily been working through the progressive training syllabus fully engaging with all cadet activities.
Over the years he has steadily progressed through his blue, and later, bronze Part Task Trainer courses with 614 AGS Swanton Morley.
Having completed his first Air Experience flight in an RAF Grob Tutor James was presented with his blue A Wings.
James went on to attend the RAFAC National Aerospace Camp where he had the opportunity of an Air Experience Gliding flight in a RAF Grob Viking Glider and he achieved his blue Gliding Wings.
Throughout his cadet career by attending further Summer Camps and further AEF Flights, Sergeant Munday managed to acheive his Bronze Wings on powered aircraft before earlier this year attending a Region Aviation Course and applying for the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme.
James narrowly missed out on being awarded an ACPS powered flying scholarship this year but was fortunate to be selected for a Gliding Scholarship instead.
Sergeant Munday said:
“I would encourage every cadet with a passion for aviation to pursue their ambition of learning to fly by working thier way through the progressive training syllabus and taking any and every opportunity to fly with the Air Cadets and learn from every flight and every pilot.
I simply cannot fully express just how much I have gained from my Gliding Scholarship course here with the staff of 644 Squadron and how enjoyable the Gliding Scholarship course actually is.
The course isn’t easy and the highest of standards are expected at all times by the instructors but the 644 staff could not have been more supportive or more professional.
The training that the RAFAC Volunteer Gliding Squadrons provide is second to none but available to all if you work hard enough as a cadet and are dedicated to achieving your wings.
I have enjoyed every single minute of my time with the staff here at Syerston and I have learned so much more than just learning how to fly.
I can’t wait to put into practice what I have learned with the cadets that I teach on my own Squadron and other Squadrons as a Blue Wings Instructor.
Experiencing this level of training has encouraged me even more to pursue my ambition to become a pilot through the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme and I am totally committed to applying again next year for a powered flying scholarship.”
Well done Sergeant Munday and we look forward to seeing those wings on your uniform to inspire other cadets to follow in your footsteps.
From 1094 Ely Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets
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