Catching up with this thread after leaving it alone for almost a year, I was sad to note the passing of Sqn Ldr Ron Page, late of 611 VGS. Like many others, I went through 611 back in the late 1960's.
My training took place over six weekends in January and February 1968, accompanied by snow and mist etc. My one abiding memory being that the wind would come straight through the hole for the cable and up my left trouser leg......
As I've not got my 3822 to hand, I can't recall how many launches I did be fore solo, although I think it was around 25 or so, toltallying less than an hour, at 2 minutes per launch. What I do remember is the sheer thrill it gave me to become a pilot (of sorts!) at just over 16.
Ron Page was often called 'God', by both the cadets and some of the instructors. Many feared his sometimes abrupt nature, and he had little time for bullsh*tters. However, his main aim was to get cadets airborne, as that was what the Corps was there to do.
I know that I learned a lot, boith from him and the other instructors who trained me on 611. Even now I can recall CISTRS (Controls, Instruments, Spoilers, Trim, Release, Straps) - not bad for 45 years on (?)
So, thanks to all of you who gave up your weekends to train idiots like me. Blue Skies Ron!