Originally Posted by
chevvron
There is now but in the early days there wasn't.
I have to disagree given I did my Bronze at "Phoenix G.C " RAF Bruggen in 75 and the criteria I referred to were integral to gaining the badge. I did two handling check rides, one involving recovery from unusual attitudes, incipient spin recovery., stalls and the second involving a medium level simulated cable break with my altimeter covered in bodge tape....same instructor one Tony N-G. ( RIP ).....did the written exam in the workshop, conveniently located for the bar afterwards.
Back to the Cadet Mk3 and why the design and operation of the aircraft allowed so many 16 yr olds ( inc me at Burtonwood ) to safely launch themselves into the air solo.. The irony is the public, in the main, are unaware just how iconic this seemingly unremarkable glider is and how many people subsequently became professionally involved in aviation thanks in no small part to flying the aircraft