Sergeant Chris Moore (16) and Corporal Chris Ball (16) were away at RAF Syerston completing their gliding scholarships over the Christmas break. They spent two weeks flying Viking Air Cadet gliders completing the necessary training to be able to fly solo. Not many people can boast that they have flown a glider solo before they are even allowed to take a driving lesson!

They both went through a rigorous training programme set out by the Air Training Corps. The syllabuses contained such exercises as the effects of lift and drag, speed control, circuit planning, launches and landing. After four hours of intense flight training, both Corporal Ball and Sergeant Moore flew solo.

Corporal Ball was awarded his Silver Wings for completing his solo circuit. Sergeant Moore was awarded his Gold Wings after completing further flight training including landing in cross wind conditions, advance turns (45 degree turns) and five solo circuits. This is a huge achievement for both Cadet Corporal Chris Ball and Cadet Sergeant Chris Moore as cadets from this area have a rare chance of flying in the Cadet Viking gliders which are the conventional gliders instead of the motor gliders. Sergeant Moore has made an even greater achievement by attaining his Gold Wings, not many cadets have achieved their Gold Wings so Chris Moore has joined an elite few. Corporal Ball said "flying solo is like being on the best roller coaster in the world and you have the only ticket. Nothing can match the sense of freedom of having the whole sky to yourself".

Also, Cadet Corporal Aaran Macdonald recently completed his motor gliding scholarship and gained eight hours of experience as well as flying solo. Aaran, Chris Moore and Chris Ball are going to apply for their flying scholarship which will give them the opportunity to gain 12 hours of flying in powered aircraft which is worth £1500 if they were to pay for it privately.

Original article: http://www.858atc.org.uk/news.html