Air Cadets grounded?

[POBJOY]

A & B Cert What was lost

I am not aware when the decision was made to only have one solo at the end of
the standard gliding course;but what was lost was the ability to apply for an internationally recognised certificate that was the start of a potential journey through gliding.
Many Cadets progressed to a single seater and gained 'c' and even bronze (whilst still in the ATC) which was the pointer towards a silver later.The clubs were all familiar with that route and therefore an established link was there which suited all.
The organisation 'missed the boat' on starting an upgrade when they rejected the T53 and then failed to see the benefit of improving the equipment when at least there was some interest in doing so. The T53 may not have been the answer but a licenced built Blanik certainly would have been a benefit both for the organisation and the ability of Slingsby to stay in the business and develop 'metal' skills. With so many Cadets having been encouraged to 'self develop' they would have been a good source to inject 'youth' into the clubs.The whole point of conventional gliding was the Cadets had lots of activities to get involved with and lots of aircraft handling on a real airfield.
This was the unique facility that the ATC offered, and what the organisation delivered so well,and what has been thrown away by those charged with looking after the operation. All they had to do was to keep it as good as it was; being clueless they could not even manage that.