It would have been much less expensive (than this debacle) if HQAC/ACO had made money available to offer suitably qualified (and enthusiastic) cadets the opportunities to fly with either the GSA or BGA gliding clubs, rather akin to Flying Scholarships (from which I benefited many years ago). Having said that the hoops that the clubs would have to jump through are getting bigger and more frequent
There have been quite a few Air Cadets flying on ACO sponsored schemes in our RAFGSA club, as well as a good number who are self-funding. On the whole they have been a breath of fresh air to the club, showing quite extraordinary levels of determination and enthusiasm. One cadet last year had a 2 1/2 hour journey each way by underground and a couple of trains, and another drives a 200 mile round trip. The sad part is that as the cadets are responsible for getting themselves to the club, the most disadvantaged ones miss out.