613 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
Royal Air Force Halton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 5PG Tel: 01296 623535 Mil: 95237 Ext 6409 Fax: 01296 623535 Mil: 95237 Ext 6287 Mob: 07971 282069 Email: 613vgs@aircadets.org www.613vgs.org.uk Our reference: 613/COURSES14/GS-WE WEF: 01 Jan 14

RAF HALTON GLIDING SCHOLARSHIP (WEEKEND) JOINING INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW 1. Introduction. Congratulations on being selected for a Gliding Scholarship (GS) at 613 Volunteer Gliding Squadron based at Royal Air Force Halton in Buckinghamshire where you’ll undertake training in the Grob Vigilant T Mk 1 motor glider. Please ensure you email the squadron training officer on trgoff.613vgs@aircadets.org to confirm receipt, attendance and the method of travel you are using to attend for the duration of the course. 2. The Course. You have been allocated a weekend course, this will comprise of attending every Sat/Sun (Delete as appropriate) starting on: _______________ 0830hrs, the course will conclude a number of weeks later, typically averaging 8-12, however your course may be shorter or longer than that time frame, depending on your progress. It will comprise of a number of hours flight instruction, ground school, an exam and continuous ground operations support from yourself, including cleaning and preparing the operation for the day. Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded Blue GS Wings, however exceptional students with a combination of suitable weather and operational availability may have the opportunity to complete a Solo flight, in which case they can be awarded Silver GS Wings. 3. Attendance. You must be available for the duration of the course, however please be aware in exceptional circumstances such as sickness, injury or long standing inadequate weather, the course may be completed early, postponed or cancelled sooner. It must be stressed at this early stage that continuity of training is important for completion, failure to attend regularly may result being prevented from going solo, or even having your course terminated prematurely. RECEPTION 4. Location. RAF Halton is an active RAF station which specialises in personnel training and development, provided and supported by 2100 staff. It is home to the RAF Recruit training Squadron (RTS) which provides basic training to all recruits joining the RAF. The

airfield is often busy with two main grass runways where we are one of five organisations which operate out of it, the others being the Halton Microlight Club (HMC), Halton Aeroplane Club (HAC), Halton Hot Air Balloon, Joint Service Gliding Centre (JSGC) and Gliding and Soaring Association (GSA). 613VGS are located in Hangar 4 on the airfield. 5. Travel. You are expected to make your own arrangement for travel to and from RAF Halton. On arrival, please report to the airfield, located on the map in Annex A. We are easily accessible by road and rail. By Road: 613 VGS is situated at Hangar 4 on the airfield at RAF Halton, Nr. Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5PG. The airfield gate is just beyond Halton Village on the road to Weston Turville. There is a car park on the left after entering the airfield and before the barrier. The airfield is some distance from the main RAF Halton camp. The best match postcode for Sat Nav to the airfield is HP22 5GH – however please note this is not our postal address code. Cadets driving themselves are NOT permitted to drive other GS students during the course. By Rail: The nearest town/railway station is Wendover. Should you need a travel warrant, please contact your squadron/school staff to arrange this. When you have arrived at Wendover station, please call the landline or mobile number in the header to arrange for transport to the airfield. 6. Reporting. Cadets should report initially in dark blue uniform, to 613 VGS at 1900 hrs on the morning that their course starts. If it is not possible to arrive by 0830 then you must contact the training officer 613 VGS at least 48 hours before. Cadets whose travel arrangements make it impossible to arrive at that time should contact the Squadron Training Officer at least 48 hours before the course start date. If travel is to be by public transport cadets should travel in civilian clothes and change upon arrival. 7. Dress. A full kit list is available in Annex B. Although you are to attend initially in working blue uniform, this is to help with student identification. You will be issued with an RAF flying suit upon arrival which will become your uniform (you must ensure you bring a Beret). It’s advised that you wear shorts and t-shirts underneath this, with trainers. ELIGABILITY 8. Requirements. Please ensure before attending the course that you meet all the following eligibility criteria. If you are in doubt about any of these or require further advice, please contact the squadron training officer: a) Must be an enrolled within the Air Training Corps or Combined Cadet Force (RAF Section) and have a F3822 or CCF ROS book with parental consent to receive flying training. b) Must be nominated by their Commanding Officer. c) Must have an RAF Form 6424 (Medical Certificate) signed by a doctor in their possession for the start of the course. d) Should be 16 years of age or over. e) Must be within the following aircraft limitations: i. Weight fully clothed MUST NOT BE LESS THAN 35kg. ii. Weight fully clothed MUST NOT EXCEED 103kg.

iii. Sitting (bottom to head) height not in excess of 992mm. iv. Must be able to exert 11kg of force on the parachute ripcord. ADMINISTRATION 9. Medicals. Each cadet must have been medically examined and must have in his/her possession RAF Form 6424 (Medical Certificate of Fitness to undergo Glider Pilot Training). Without this certificate you will not be allowed to fly. Cadets and unit COs should note that if “unfit group 1” has been ticked by the doctor then this will preclude flying unless clearance from an RAF Aeromedical Specialist can be obtained; This can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Each medical lasts for two years from the date the doctor had signed the document, please ensure it’s in date for the duration of the course. For further advice you may contact the Squadron Training Officer. 10. Parental Consent. Cadets are to ensure that all relevant parents’ consent signatures have been completed in their Record of Service Book (RoS Book) before leaving home. Cadets cannot fly without parents’ consent in their RoS Book (CCF) or Form 3822 (ATC). Additionally, cadets from both ATC and CCF are required to complete a TG Form 021 and 023 which is also available on our Website and Bader site. TRAINING 11. Fitness to Fly. In the interest of safety and to ensure you comply with military and legal flying regulations, you: a) Must not (regardless of age) drink any alcohol during the course. b) Must tell the ‘Course Commander’ if you are taking any medication (be that prescribed, over the counter or illegal drugs). c) Must tell the Squadron Adjutant before the start of your course if you will be fasting at any point throughout your course. d) Must inform the Squadron Adjutant before the start of your course if you have any physical or mental disability. e) Must advise the ‘Course Commander’ if your medical circumstances declared on forms TG21 & TG23 have changed. f) Must not fly within 48 hours of donating blood or having a general anaesthetic. g) Must not participate in boxing or diving within 48 hrs of flying. 12. Reporting Sick. If before the course you are suffering from even a slight sickness that may affect you during the course (even a cold may cause serious issues while flying), please inform the squadron training officer at the earliest possible opportunity. Should you become sick during the course, you are to inform the duty instructor in the morning. Occasionally students suffer from air sickness, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, please ensure you tell your instructor. Do not continue to fly in the hope it will feel better as usually it will only get worse and your flying ability will determinate. 13. Photography. Cameras are welcome and can be used in the aircraft. A briefing on rules relating to photography on the station will be given on arrival. 14. Discipline. Flying in the Royal Air Force is a highly professional discipline and throughout the course you will gradually take on more and more responsibility. Ultimately you

may have the responsibility of flying one of the squadron’s aircraft solo. As such a high level of professionalism and maturity is expected throughout the course, on the ground and in the air, and your conduct should be what is expected of a ‘Trainee Pilot’. 15. Aircraft ergonomics. Occasionally trainees that are within the aircraft limits still do not fit into the confined space of the cockpit. Unfortunately this cannot be determined until the start of the course. If this is the case, due to flight safety requirements, the Squadron will have no choice other than to cancel the course. Please note this is exceptionally rare. 16. Failure to Attend. If you are unable to attend, you must inform the squadron Training Officer as soon as possible. Gliding Scholarships are highly subscribed and hold a long waiting list. Therefore we may be able to reallocate a GS with enough notice. Failure to attend without notification will be reported to your Wing and HQAC. 17. Weather & other factors. Due to the peculiarities of the Great British weather & to other factors out of our control, sometimes not every person on the course can be provided ample opportunity to complete their training to a solo standard – even if you have the ability, any long standing limitations on flying may result in the course being limited to GS Blue only. 18. Termination of Training. It is very unusual that a cadet is withdrawn from training. However, should a cadet’s training be terminated for any reason they will be expected to leave RAF Halton in a reasonable time. It is therefore important that there is a responsible adult who can accept responsibility for and accommodate a cadet should this be necessary. The name address and telephone number of this person will be required by 613 VGS on arrival. The squadron Training Officer will make any decision for termination of training with the Commanding Officer and the Chief Flying Instructor at 613VGS. Any situation that may result in the termination of a GS will be further reported to HQAC. SECURITY & SAFETY 19. Security. All MOD Establishments operate at a high level of security. It is important that all cadets are correctly identified with RoS Book / F3822 complete with a photo, which must be carried at all times, on and off duty when moving around the Station. All baggage must be clearly marked with the cadets name, rank, ATC/CCF Sqn and course (613VGS) attached. Any visitors' vehicles will require special temporary passes, obtained at the Guardroom. All visitors' baggage and vehicles may be subject to search by security forces. 20. Cash / Valuables. It is not possible to secure valuable items during the course therefore you are recommended not to bring any items of high value. We have a “tuck shop” available; a small amount of spending money may useful. Cash & valuables are the responsibility of the owner and responsibility cannot be accepted for articles lost or damaged. DEPARTURE 21. BGA Solo Endorsement. Trainees that go solo will also be given a signed British Gliding Association (BGA) ‘Gliding Certificate and Solo Endorsement’ application form, which is the civilian equivalent of the Gliding Scholarship. You may apply for this subject to a fee payable to the BGA (reduced rates are available for under 21s). Further details can be found at www.gliding.co.uk

24. Departure. The flying day may end at any time – this could be weather, task completed or flying restrictions. We typically fly until sunset and require an additional half hour for packing up. In summer time, this can be quite late, however cadets will be kept within duty hours by being given suitable “rest” periods, in this time any homework from school can also be done. For cadets who take the train, transport to Wendover station can be provided. 25. Squadron Merchandise. Throughout the week and on the wings parade, we have got a number of squadron branded merchandise for sale. This includes stickers, keyrings, t-shirts and fabric badges. The course is intense and will require 110% effort to learn both in the air and on the ground. That said its very rewarding and a lot of fun - we are sure you will enjoy it! You should feel immensely proud upon course completion of your blue or silver wings. Annexes: A Map & Directions B Kit Check & Contact list.

Annex A – Map & Directions

Annex B – Kit Check & Contact List.

GS Summary, Kit List & Contacts
THE COURSE At: RAF Halton, HP22 5PG Starting: Saturday / Sunday* ______________ Time: 0830hrs Messing Fee: £40 Cash (Nearest Sat Nav to Airfield ~ HP22 5GH) KIT LIST (ALL ESSENTIAL)
✔ Flying Suits will be issued on day one. If you have your own please feel free to bring it. Beret - For blue uniform and flying suit. Working Blue Uniform - Required for day 1 only Shorts – For under flying suit. T-Shirts – For under flying suit. Trainers – Preferably black, but any smart looking trainers will do for wearing with flying suit. Sunglasses – When flying in any weather condition, sun glare can cause distractions. Sun Cream – The Vigilant is all glass and you are very exposed to direct sunlight. Money – Small spending money. Don’t forget the amazing squadron merchandise is for sale. Warm Jacket – For civilian clothing/travel.

DOCCUMENTS REQUIRED
TG Form 21 & 23 – Parental Consent. F3822 / RoS Book (With Photo). With the parents’ consent to fly signed. F6424 – Medical (Signed “Fit Group 1” by GP – if unfit, accompanying documentation from CFMO).

CONFIRMATION OR PROBLEMS?
Email Training Officer (below) to confirm attendance AND method of transport. Problem before the course? Email the Training Officer. Problem on the Course? Speak to or call the Duty Instructor for the day..

USEFUL CONTACTS
613 VGS HQ: 01296 656409 – If we’re flying the HQ may be unmanned so try the mobile. 613 VGS Mobile: 07971 282069 Training Officer Email: TrgOff.613vgs@aircadets.org Adjutant Email: Adj.613vgs@aircadets.org General Email (Course Commander): 613vgs@aircadets.org