Flying
Air Experience Flights (AEF's) are the most common type of flying that cadets take part in. It consists of a 30-minute flight over the local area. During this flight they are able to handle the controls, experience aerobatics, and get a greater understanding of powered flight.
There are a number of AEF's based around the country, each operating the Grob 115 E Tutor Aircraft. This aircraft is a two seater, single piston engined, aerobatic capable trainer.
Grob Tutor
Entered Service: 1999
Powerplant: One Lycoming 360-A1B6 of 200hp.
Span: 32ft 8in (10.00m)
Length: 24ft 9in (7.59m)
Max Speed: 150mph (240km/h) at sea level
Accommodation: Two, side by side.
Recognition: Single-engined low-wing monoplane. Fixed tricycle undercarriage with small fairing covering the wheels. Short nose. Large glazed area cabin with two windows each side. Tapered wings with square tips. Large fin and rudder with oblong tailplane with square tips set at base of fin.
Colours: White with blue trim. Aircraft carry civil registrations.
Gliding
Gliding is similar to powered flying, but with no engine!
The ATC uses two different types of aircraft for gliding. These are;
The Grob Vigilant, this glider uses a small engine to get airborne. It is a two seat
training glider. Unlike other traditional gliders, the cadet is sat beside the pilot rather than in front or behind.
The Grob Viking, this glider relies on a winch to get airborne. It is a tandem seat glider which means the cadet is not sitting alongside the pilot, but is in front or behind.
The ATC offers a number of courses which involve gliding;
The GIC, or Gliding Induction Course.
This course involves 3 different half hour flights. In which the cadets learn
basic handling of the glider, including the effect of the controls.
The Gliding Scholarship.
This is available to a certain number of lucky cadets chosen at squadron level.
It offers the chance for cadets to go solo in a glider, after about 8 hours
of training.