What We Do

The ATC is the largest gliding organisation in the world and has its own fleet of both winch-launched and self-launching motor gliders.

The Viking T1 glider

The Vigilant T1 Glider

The winch-launched glider in use is called the Viking and the self-launching motor glider is called the Vigilant. Click here to find out more about them.

Cadets get the opportunity at least once a year to fly in a glider at a Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) of which there are many around the country. 340 Squadron use two VGSs - 615 VGS at Kenley near Croydon who fly the Viking, and 618 VGS at RAF Odiham in Hampshire who fly the Vigilant.

A Grob Viking being launched at Kenley

A cadet's gliding experience will begin with a Gliding Induction Course (GIC). There are three parts to this, each part teaching something new, yet basic, about flying the aircraft and the skill of gliding. At the end of the course, a certificate is awarded.

Once cadets are 16, they can apply for a Gliding Scholarship. This course, either over successive weekends until finished or continuously over a week, takes the cadet right up to solo standard and the award of blue GS Wings to wear on their uniform. If they are then considered to have the aptitude, they will receive a little more training and then fly solo. Silver GS wings are then awarded.

Cadets with exceptional flying abilities and/or those who become Staff Cadets on a VGS can progress to Advanced Gliding Training (AGT) and be awarded gold wings. Some cadets even progress to become instructors themselves and take other cadets flying!

Many of 340 Squadron's cadets have attained their gliding wings. One of our Squadron staff, Warrant Officer ATC Mark Wheeler, and one of our cadets, Instructor Flight Sergeant Stephen Green, are gliding instructors with 615 VGS.