Pilot/Instructor Grades

Shown here is a brief summary of the entitlements of each grade. Don’t forget that a large amount of training takes place between grades both in the air and on the ground.

Grade 2 Pilot

This grade allows a Flight Staff Cadet who has achieved Advanced Glider Training or a new adult instructor to qualify for a formal pilot grade.

On successful award of Grade 2, a pilot may fly solo out of circuit in accordance with their training and completing any necessary check ride sorties.

Grade 1 Pilot

This grade allows Grade 2 Pilots to qualify to provide familiarization and Gliding Induction Course training to cadets at their Volunteer Gliding Squadron.

On successful award of Grade 1 the pilot is cleared to fly the aircraft as commander in either seat, conduct familiarization sorties and teach the Gliding Induction Course syllabus.

C Category Instructor

Successful completion of the C Category Course at Air Cadet Central Gliding School (ACCGS) qualifies a member of staff as a Qualified Gliding Instructor on probation at their squadron.

On completion of this award the C Category Instructor may teach all Gliding Induction Course and Gliding Scholarship exercises for which he or she is cleared and conduct the necessary ground lessons.

B Category Instructor

On successful completion of this course at ACCGS the instructor is awarded a B Category whereby he or she is regarded as a competent gliding instructor. This allows the instructor to perform additional duties.

The instructor may now also conduct Advanced Glider Training sorties, perform solo checks for subsequent trainee solo flights, carry out certain training for graded and ungraded pilots, hold an executive post, act as Duty Instructor and the Gliding Squadron Duty Executive (GSDE).

A2 Category Instructor

This category acknowledges an instructor as above average. It allows the instructor to perform first solo flight checks and complete test flights following scheduled maintenance.

A1 Category Instructor

This category currently has no additional privileges except the knowledge that the instructor has completed the highest award possible and is regarded as an exceptional Qualified Gliding Instructor.

Senior Supervisors Course

This course qualifies A Category Instructors for the responsibilities of Flying Supervisor and Specialist Executive Duties at their squadron. This qualification is recognised by a star suffix to an instructor’s category.

It allows instructors to conduct certain additional tests and supervise the flying standards of all other staff.

Navigation Instructors Course (NIC)

This course allows instructors to teach Map Appreciation and Basic Pilot Navigation to squadron staff.

It allows instructors to conduct certain addiCompletion of this course allows instructors to fly approved navigation routes at their squadron, teach navigation and makes them eligible to become the Unit Navigation Officer (UNO).

Transit Qualification (TQ)

This course allows B Category Instructors and above to safely navigate visually at medium level, in order to ferry aircraft from one location to another.

Basic Navigation Course (BNC)

The aim of this course is to introduce pilots to visual medium level navigation. Using service techniques pilots are taught Basic Navigation Ground School including Mental Dead Reckoning. By the end of the course the pilot will be competent to fly the motor glider around a closed navigation circuit.

Grade 2 Pilot Award Requirements

A Grade 2 Pilot's (G2) training is geared around building up the pilot's experience of different runways and different conditions. The pilot will, after a period of time, start right hand seat conversion training. Previously all the flying will have been conducted from the Left Hand Seat. Conversion is necessary as later on in a VGS staff members career they may elect to become a QGI and all Gliding Scholarship instructional flying is conducted from the right hand seat.

Grade 1 Pilot Award Requirements

Grade 1 Pilots are able to be authorised to take up their first passengers. It is also the point at which U/T Instructors are permitted to wear Air Cadet Glider Pilot Wings (without crown) and flown as captain with a passenger. The main task for G1s is to deliver the Gliding Induction Course to cadets who are visiting the VGS from there ATC or CCF(RAF) unit.

Grade 1 Pilots are only permitted to allow passengers have control of the aircraft when above 500 feet. This allows G1's to gain plenty of experience in varying conditions, allowing them to polish their flying to a very high standard. The next step for a U/T Instructor is the transition to a Qualified Gliding Instructor. For this, U/T Instructors spend a week at the Air Cadets Central Gliding School learning how to deliver the Gliding Scholarship Syllabus..

Selection Requirements

Trainees are selected by the OC VGS subject to: Being accepted onto the Unit as an Instructor under training. Normally completing the Advanced Glider Training Course, with recommendation to continue further Flying Training. Having undergone a RAF Initial Medical Examination and being declared medically fit to Gliding Instructor standards by an RAF Medical Officer. JAA-Class 1 Medicals may be accepted. Be under 102kg in weight and under 39” in seating height.

Training Concessions

Candidates who are Qualified Service Pilots, or who hold a current civilian Glider Pilots License (with the FAI Silver Certificate) or Private Pilots License may receive concessions towards Basic Pilot Training and may directly train to the award of G1. Pilots are still required to undergo a minimum of 5hours dual training on type prior to flying solo.