Job Specification - VGS Flight Staff Cadet

The Flight Staff Cadet (FSC) is an integral member of the VGS staff and performs essential tasks to assist the operation of that VGS. He/she will find it challenging and rewarding in terms of honing his or her personal skills and in most cases, be able to rise up the flying categories to become an effective instructor as part of the VGS. Most senior VGS staff have been FSCs previously and the Air Cadets Gliding Organisation survives on the basis of such volunteers. In parallel with this capability, a significant number of FSCs have progressed into other Flying organisations including the regular RAF, Airlines and other flying organisations. Many will relate to their early flying experiences of flying with a VGS and indeed, continue to serve on VGSs.

Entry requirements

• Achieved at least a Gliding Scholarship Silver award, preferably having completed the first solo (Flying Scholarship and PPL holders will also be considered).
• Be medically fit (unrestricted F6424 in the first instance - glasses are permitted. Subsequently, subject to annual RAF medical requirements).
• Be under 100kg in weight and under 39" in seating height.
• Open to Male and Female candidates.
• Be an NCO on their parent ATC/CCF unit.
• Agree to and be able to attend the VGS every weekend on one of the days of that weekend (time off to be negotiated with OC VGS).
• Be able to travel to the VGS under autonomous means (e.g. own transport) unless sharing with other VGS personnel can be achieved.

Other considerations

• Flying/Gliding takes precedence over all other Corps activities and therefore individual attendance to the VGS is important.
• An understanding with the OC of the parent ATC/CCF unit and the FSC must be reached where that OC understands and agrees the commitment required by the VGS. Note that the individual remains a member of his parent unit whilst he attends the VGS. If he/she leaves a parent ATC/CCF unit, 'membership' of the VGS is automatically terminated, unless he/she joins the staff of the VGS.

The FSC commitment

• Arrive at the VGS no later than 0830hrs on the attendance day and not depart until the GSDE/DI has approved their departure, on the basis that all of the duties expected from the FSC have been completed.
• Be able to attend at least one day a weekend, or more if the individual wishes to attend, throughout the year.

The VGS commitment

• The VGS will initiate a training programme to see that the FSC develops their flying skills, with the eventual aim of engaging the FSC as an instructor on the VGS. This will be achieved via the awards of AGT (advanced Gliding Training), Grade 2 (Solo Pilot) and Grade 1 (Passenger Carrying Pilot with limited instructional skills). These awards are subject to the ability, performance and attitude of the FSC and also the flying priorities as dictated in the Training Group Orders defined by HQAC. In this regard and subject to the flying programme for the day, FSCs will not automatically qualify to fly on each attendance they make to the VGS and in the early days, flying progress will be slow. If the FSC demonstrates that he/she has the ability to become an instructor, the VGS will take the necessary steps for the individual to obtain an instructor's qualification, thus leading to them teaching the GS syllabus to other cadets.
• Associated with flying progress, the FSC will be trained to conduct the following tasks, subject to orders and age.
• Aircraft First Line Servicing (AF, BF and TR)
• First Response Training for domestic/Aircraft fires and rescue
• Inspect and Operate (drive) Land rovers to support VGS communications
• The VGS will have a staff member assigned as OIC FSCs - he/she will be the point of contact initially for the welfare of the FSCs when operating in the VGS environment.

FSC Duties/expectations

The FSC is required to perform the duties below, under supervision initially and until deemed competent in role, whilst operating at the VGS. In this regard, they should be self-motivating, good team members and seek the initiative where possible whilst operating under the orders/guidelines of the VGS operation, to conduct the following:

• Ensure that visiting cadets (the VGS customers) are looked after during their stay at the VGS. This includes:
• Managing their welfare
• Escorting them around operating areas
• Briefing them on safety and flying requirements
• Ensuring that the cadets are at the required locations during the flying programme
• Ensuring that the visiting cadets enjoy their visit to the VGS by demonstrating a strong enthusiasm for aviation
• Manhandling of Aircraft
• Perform strapping-in duties for visiting personnel
• Perform Aircraft refuelling
• Cleaning of the Aircraft
• Daily inspections of the MT
• Assist the Duty Instructor in the preparation for the flying operation
• Manage the refreshments activity required for all operating staff
• Ensuring that the facilities are kept clean and tidy including bins, carpets etc

The recruitment process

Prospective FSCs should write to the OC of the VGS describing themselves and why they should be considered for the appointment as a FSC on a VGS. The VGS OC will arrange for an interview and if the candidate is successful, he/she will be invited to join the VGS. Initially, there is typically a 3-months probation period to assess and ensure the suitability of the candidate. During this time the candidate is known as a supplementary FSC. The candidate is expected to complete the application forms contained within the ACP 20B and have them processed through their own Squadron commander. After the 3-months probation period and assuming the candidate is acceptable to the VGS, he/she is then upgraded to the role of FSC. During his or her time as a supplementary FSC, the AGT course will be conducted and hopefully completed successfully and the gold wings awarded.

Application Form

Please visit the downloads page for the FSC application form.