Collision avoidance
Yes, well said Beagle, Jetscream and Big Sand, all the technology and paint schemes in the world will never prevent this type of accident.
There is absolutely no substitute for gold standard airmanship and just good plain homely constant lookout combined with a good degree of head/neck movement to compensate for constant rate of closing scenario's. There is also the need for good use of HASELL and including the words.......
"clearing turn to the left / right bloggs , and we're checking below / behind / in front AND ABOVE us"
As we have now seen the demise of three RAF pilots and three Air Cadets little more than as many months, surely it is time for some re-assessment of AEF pilot standardisation, "out briefing and what that brief contains in addition to signing to accept the out brief" - not to mention a look at currency requirements for individuals. If you want to be the best, then strive to be the best and challenge existing standards and regulations !
I cannot believe that we can allow these two fatal accidents to pass by without some well considered changes. Something is clearly wrong.
The VGS world operate similar Grob Vigilant TMG aircraft - and not just flying with Cadets - all of their instructors instruct ( some more so, and some less so) and teach to solo standard and beyond, and many locally on RAF stations fly competently alongside service aircraft and helicopters under RAF ATC directions.
Many senior staff are professional ATPL's in the "day job". -For quite incomprehensible reasons VGS instructors are not allowed to fly on AEF units unless previously fully service qualified, even though they are standardised and supervised by RAF Officers, including a CFS element. The Titanic was commanded by a professional, whilst Noah was an amateur !
Perhaps some more interchange (on a limited and selection based system)and cross fertilization may bring some tangible benefits to Cadet flying - e.g., a little instructional flying and some new young blood, not to mention allowing some VR(T) RAF (Ret'd) Officers to gain an understanding of the conventional gliding world - a possible competency gain for old boys of managing without a fan on the front for longer than it takes to hit the ground on an EFATO !
Cadets would also benefit from some limited learning rather than a 20-25 min pure PAX ride. The VGS staff have adequately demonstrated their professional competency in a more demanding role - why not? - don't let the past hinder the future, and most importantly LEARN from the each and every accident.