Find out about
GLIDING
in the Air Training Corps
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The ATC is the world's largest gliding organisation, and Air Cadets attend gliding courses at one of the various 27 Volunteer Gliding Squadron's (VGS's) located around the UK. Air Cadets from 1740 Squadron attend gliding at 661 VGS at RAF Kirknewton in West Lothian.

The backbone of the winch-launch fleet is the Grob Viking (shown right), a two seat glider used for all types of glider training. Cadets can aim to gain Gliding Scholarships and achieve different levels of gliding 'wings' (see below). Many Air Cadets from our squadron have have gained different levels of 'wings' in recent years.

Gliding Scholarship courses can be over several weekends, or on a continuous week course. There are opportunities to become a Staff Cadet on the gliding squadron, which would see you helping cadets from a variety of other ATC squadrons enjoy their gliding experience every other weekend.

The ATC also uses the Grob Vigilant glider, which has an engine - this means it can climb to height on its own power, then switch it off at the right height to act in the same way as a winch-launched glider. This provides a quicker turnaround time in between launches.

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