1349 Woking Squadron

Glider pilot training is one of the core activities for Air cadets. It's the unique opportunity to fly that makes the Air Cadets so different from any other youth organisation.

The Air Cadet Organisation operates 28 Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS), with professional training co-ordinated by the Central Gliding School. Air Experience Gliding (AEG) and flying training for cadets within Surrey Wing is provided by two local VGS. 615 VGS RAF Kenley 618 VGS RAF Odiham.

618 are equipped with the Grob 109 Vigilant motorised glider, unlike a conventional glider it has an engine and propeller, so it can launch itself. The Vigilant can take off and climb under its own power to a height of 2,000 feet in approximately 5 minutes. It can then be flown as a conventional glider by allowing the engine to idle or, the engine may even be turned off all together. It's the Vigilants ability to launch itself that makes it such a tremendous training aircraft. The student can spend more time in the air learning how to fly as opposed to being on the ground waiting for the next winch launch.

  615 are equipped with the Viking winch launched glider, which is the conventional type of glider.

Cadets have the opportunity to learn to fly the Vigilant glider. Your glider pilot training could start at the age of 13 years 3 months and you could be flying your first solo at the age of 16, before you are old enough to take your first driving lesson.