Flying & Gliding
Joining the Air Cadets opens up lots of opportunities, including the chance to fly! It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, in a light aircraft, a glider or even on-board RAF aircraft such as our Chinook helicopters.
Get your head in the clouds!
As a cadet you'll have the chance to fly with the best - RAF pilots. Air Experience Flight (AEF) instructors are all current or former RAF service pilots who volunteer to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm for flying to you. Flying takes place at one of 13 AEFs around the country, mainly at RAF stations. At 163 Squadron, we go to 8AEF at our parent station, RAF Cosford.
On your first flight, you'll be shown how the aircraft flies and be given the chance to control it. You'll get to experience aerobatics, pull Gs and have the view over the countryside at 3000ft! As you progress through your cadet career, you'll have the opportunity to apply for the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS). The scheme takes 3 weeks, and has the exact same training and support that RAF pilots and University Air Squadrons receive, ending in a solo!
Soar to success!
Imagine gliding along thermal air currents with just the sound of wind rushing past your aircraft. You could be over 2000 ft in the air and have controls of an 8 metre aircraft in your hands. It’s a buzz, and is one of the biggest reasons our cadets join.
Your gliding experience kicks off at a Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS), flying the Viking T1. Your focus, along with others from the squadron, is to complete your Gliding Induction Course (GIC). Designed to give you a taste of gliding, you’ll learn all about aerodynamics and controlling the aircraft; first in a classroom, then taking control and practicing what you’ve learned in the air.
If you prove yourself here, you can apply to move on to your Gliding Scholarship (GS). The aim of this course is to get you gliding solo!
Fancy something else?
In addition to the standard flying and gliding we offer in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, you may also get the opportunity to fly in RAF service aircraft! You could find yourself on a tanker aircraft on a refuelling sortie, a passenger in a fast jet, or as a supernumerary crew member in helicopters; such as the Puma or Chinook.
These incredible opportunities not only give you a closer look into RAF aircraft, but they also give you a thrilling and unforgettable experience. No matter which aircraft find yourself in, each flight is a flight to remember.
163 (Coventry-Phoenix) Squadron
Cateswell House
Sir Henry Parkes Road
Coventry
CV5 6TA
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