It seems to indicative of a growing culture of over-regulation; because over-regulation makes things safer doesn't it? Of course it doesn't but it does satisfy the needs of those who "need to be seen to be doing something" to improve safety.
Demanding that ATC cadets can only be flown by BGA full category instructors is bizarre because the ACO and the BGA already have a mutually agreed conversion scheme for VGS instructors who want to gain a BGA rating. Providing the VGS instructor has a minimum of a FAI Silver C the Laws and Rules allow:
Current experience as an Air Cadet A or B category instructor,can be recognised towards an individual obtaining a BGA instructor rating. Air Cadets ‘A’ Category Instructors on conventional gliders who hold the qualifying experience required by the BGA may convert to a BGA Assistant Instructor Rating either by attending a BGA Assistant Instructors’ course, or by local training with a Regional Examiner (RE) or a Senior Regional Examiner (SRE), as necessary to reach the required standard. Other categories of Air Cadet instructor must complete the approved BGA course.
So, the ACO has agreed that its top rated VGS instructors are the equivalent of a BGA Assistant Instructor. They are also happy for cadets to be flown by graded pilots on VGS who may be cadets themselves. Why then does the ACO insist that an instructor at a BGA club has to be a Full Category (a higher qualification than exists in the ACO) to fly cadets?
Answers on a postcard...