Here’s a report from one of Ely’s Cadet’s Anna Munday.
“Wow!! I really have had a very busy weekend indeed.
On Saturday, I had the amazing opportunity to go gliding and help assist to launch numerous gliders by working closely with the pilots and ground crew by supporting the Viking Glider wings on take off as well as attaching the cables used to winch the gliders into the air.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself, working on the launch point and I didn’t realise just how active a day of gliding would be compared to powered flying.
We all got really involved during the day and we were taught so much by the amazing gliding instructors about the RAFAC total safety approach to flying and the 2 FTS pilot training that -as our briefing explained- trains pilots the same way whether flying Viking Gliders or F35 Lightnings, we really leared a lot throughout the whole day.
Cadet Visana and I were the last to fly, and so we had the chance to put the gliders back into the hangar, and we were shown how to go through the after-flight checks and procedures.
Gliding is truly amazing! The acceleration and climb with the winch launch is an experience in itself, flying a Viking glider is unbelievably quiet and so responsive compared to flying The Grob Tutor.
I really enjoyed the whole day and helping with the launches was exciting and great fun. You also get time to talk the VGS staff, they are so welcoming and supportive.
Thank you to all the inspirational and wonderful staff at 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron for such a great day. In the future I hope one day to return to 644 Squadron at RAF Syerston for my SGS Gliding Course and I’m going to work hard towards making that dream a reality.
On Sunday, myself, and Cadet Bain, Hughes, Case-Upton, Elstow and Johnson, led by two members of staff – Sgt Dennett-Cook and Sgt Donoghue- went on a lowland map reading exercise as part of our training for our upcoming Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme expeditions.
Another great day having fun outdoors, and we all really benefitted from the experience, learning all about map work and compass bearings.
I would like to say a huge thank you to our Squadron staff for giving up so much of their own time and giving myself and the other cadets such a great weekend”
Photo Credits: Cadets Anna Munday, Rufus Hillier and 1094 Media Team Member Cadet Sophie Case-Upton
From 1094 Ely Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets
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