Venture and Misadventure
Having experienced what the ATC could provide when it was subject to vision and capable leadership, I struggle to see what the future will hold even under the new 'RAF Cadets' banner, especially with the leaning towards Space and pilotless devices.
In fact one could say the organisation is even less likely to prosper under 'service bureaucracy' with its ever deceasing 'hands on element' due to the ever increasing interpretation of H&S with associate paperwork 'box ticking'.
The Gliding fiasco was probably the final straw in showing that the 'organisation' is actually incapable of organising itself, let alone backing up a capable team of volunteers.
The attempt to give the 'redundant' Vigilants another 'life' out of service control was very cost effective and deliverable, as indeed were the original actual Cadet Gliding schools and their volunteer staff. No cogent reason could be found to dismiss this proposal at DESA, and indeed as alluded it would have not have stopped another organisation having some machines for themselves. However this would NOT have suited the RAF themselves purely on the basis that it may have thrown doubt on why the Cadets were loosing this facility in the first place !!.
With the 'Carpet' already lifted by the RAF, and suitable commercial interests hovering with a broom the death blow was delivered under the DESA banner, but in reality by collusion and the RAF wishes. I might add that the Vig use plan was not dependent on any 'Golden hello grant' or indeed any public money being needed. It was a bold and honest plan to see some 'right' come out of the appalling Gliding fiasco, but in true 'Yes Minister' tradition was suitably flattened by the very people who had FAILED to do their public paid jobs.