If you are interested in joining the London Gliding Club Cadet Scheme please take a read through this page and then fill in the electric application form, the link to which can be found at the bottom of the page.

If you are currently a Cadet already and it is time to re-new your application for the next season, click here.

Introduction to the cadet scheme
The London Gliding Club set up it’s cadet scheme in order to recruit and retain enthusiastic young people into the sport of gliding, and has successfully been doing so for over 10 years. The LGC cadet scheme provides the same training that a normal club member would get to progress the student at both pre and post solo stages but with the added benefit of low cost membership and flying for young people. In return for the subsidised flying the cadets are asked to help around the club on diverse duties including assisting with flying operations and club maintenance.

The cadet scheme
The cadet scheme is subsidised by all club members and is therefore approved at the discretion of the Club Operating Committee year by year. The number of cadets that are accepted each year is dependent on the club’s financial situation, however it can be expected that between 8 and 12 partake regularly every year. It should be noted though that the scheme is a valuable privilege that can be reviewed and withdrawn from a cadet at the LGC managers discretion at any time.

The cadet training plan
The cadets are free to fly at any time, just like a normal club member, by signing onto the daily flying list during the week or by booking a flying slot at the weekend. The training programme can be seen on the white ‘Pre-Solo’ training card which you will receive at the start of your flying. This year three specific instructors have been assigned to take an extra interest in cadets and ensure that their safety, progress and well being is regularly monitored and reviewed.

Benefits: What LGC offers the cadet
The LGC cadet scheme offers low cost membership @ £40 per year. This compares to £600 for full members and £140 for junior members. The cadet scheme also offers half price launches and free flying time. Other additional benefits include learning lifetime skills valuable to any employer including self confidence, teamwork, self discipline, safety awareness, judgment (plus quite possibly stress management and work prioritisation). On top of this the mentoring instructors will organise special events such as ‘cadet days’ and a team entry into the Dunstable Regionals gliding championships to help build these skills.

Tasks and Duties: What LGC expects from the cadet
LGC expects that the cadet will rapidly integrate into the club and become part of the team as well as frequently and willingly taking part in flying tuition and club activities. The cadets will then volunteer for extra tasks as required particularly at peak flying times. It is expected that the cadet will give at least two days per month to extra tasks, and one whole week (usually during the Regionals competition) during the summer holiday period IS REQUIRED.

Time Line

All year – applications to join the cadet scheme can be sent in.

February – cadet applications are processed

March – cadet selection and renewal in time for the Easter Holidays

March onwards – normal cadet activities.

Cadet age
You are eligible to apply as a cadet if you are between 14 & 18 and in full time education.

Cadet Progress
Since the objective of the LGC cadet scheme is to recruit and retain enthusiastic young people into the sport of gliding performance, progress and attitude are the key steps to renewal. It is hoped that the cadet will learn to fly and acquire key skills with a safe and professional attitude worthy of the title "Pilot".

The cadet scheme lasts for one year. Renewal is discretionary by the mentoring instructors depending on the cadet's progress, help around the club and still within full time education. Progress will be recognised in many forms and although cross country flying is a major club activity, vintage flying, aerobatics and instructing, to name a few, are equally worthy activities and many young pilots have shown success in these diverse areas. A reasonable progress plan from the age of 16 would be:

End of 1st Year of training: First solo, PA1 rating and Preparation for Bronze Badge.
End of 2nd Year of training: Bronze Badge, Cross Country flying and Silver Badge.
End of 3rd Year of training: First competitions such as Inter club league etc.

The Mentoring Instructors

The current mentoring instructors are Robin May, Dan Chilcot & Paul Rackham.

So, if you are interested in applying as a Cadet please fill out an application form by clicking here.
If you are currently a Cadet already and it is time to re-new your application for the next season, click here.