Gliding

One of the most unique opportunities in the Air Cadet program is the opportunity for cadets to experience the thrill of gliding.  As the gliding season starts up again for the spring, many cadets from 111 have received the opportunity to fly in one of the Air Cadet Gliding Program’s SGS 2-33 gliders, and often even have the opportunity to try controlling the aircraft!  Gliding is an experience unparalleled by any other form of flight.  Without the noise of the engine to distract from the beautiful scenery and the sensation of flight, a glider is the closest that one can get to flying like a bird.  For cadets who find gliding become a true passion, they can become glider pilots through the Air Cadet Glider Pilot Scholarship.

As long as the cadet will be 16 by the end of the course, they may write a scholarship exam, before attending a merit review board (Similar to a job interview).  After completion of a six-week summer training course, the cadet will be issued a glider pilot license!  However, any cadet in the Squadron may attend a glider familiarization flight, wherein they will spend four hours at the gliding site, learning all about the aircraft and its operation, before finally taking to the sky.  Gliding is a unique opportunity, and for many, the Air Cadet Gliding Program is the start of a long and distinguished career in aviation.

-FCpl Derek Strangway