What were you doing this Weekend?
Sergeant James Cooper of 51 (Orton) Squadron was attending a Gliding Scholarship through the Air Cadets to gain his first solo flight at 17 and to gain his Silver Wings.
James Gliding Scholarship (GS) took place at Wethersfield, in Essex and after the initial excitement of hearing that he had been chosen for a GS he said “It felt quite daunting”. The course is 9 days long and all the trainers are Volunteers and ex-cadets themselves. Many of the instructors have been in the Corp for 40+ years which shows just how much each person can get from joining the Corp.
James said, ”Naturally the most interesting part of my course was the gliding itself, particularly because I had never been in a proper glider before”. James received one to one tuition throughout his training from his instructor Flight Lieutenant Andy Sharman. To enable James to reach the ultimate goal of flying solo he had to pass each stage of the course, 13 in total. It was on the Wednesday that James was advised he could fly solo and he said “This would be one of those events that he would never forget let alone the flight itself”.
It is not all about flying though, when you are not flying each cadet must assist on ground level. This is an invaluable part of the training and one which is enjoyed as much as the flying itself.
Each cadet is awarded on the final award parade of which members of their family are invited to attend. It is here that some of the cadets are invited back to attend an interview to train as Flight Staff Cadet. James was one of the successful cadets. Once accepted as Flight Staff Cadet, each cadet will have training as ground staff for a few months and will then ultimately take part in the Advanced Glider Training.
Flt Lt Bone said “James has worked hard, and all of us at the Squadron are proud of his achievements. There are so many opportunities for each cadet who join the Squadron and James has proved that yet again.”
If you are interested in becoming a member of the ATC, why not come down to the Squardon to look around, we meet on a Tuesday and Wednesday between 1900-2115 at the Squadron HQ. You will find us at Orton Longueville School near the main reception; alternatively call us on 07710 608711. The Squadron is recruiting now!!
