Air Cadet Gliding pix in the 80s (pre glass)
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This hardly counts but whilst I was undergoing my flying training at Linton I managed to scrounge a few trips in T21 WB978 in February/March 1964 - instructors were P/O Dalby and P/O Potts.
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Hi Charlieone six.You were there just before I started training. P/O Dalby and potts were two of my instructors and my first flight was in T21 WB978. Fantastic opportunity for a sixteen year old. I take it you were on Jet Provosts lovely aircraft. Thanks for replying.
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!
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!
gyp: dunno about Prince Andrew but to my recollection Pete Bullivant trained Prince Charles at either Kinloss or Lossiemouth when he was attending Gordonstoun.
Second thoughts, maybe the gliding site was Milltown.
Second thoughts, maybe the gliding site was Milltown.
Last edited by chevvron; 6th Jun 2013 at 11:28.
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Yes, chevron, it was Milltown and it was definitely a 16-year old Prince Andrew. Peter Bullivant trained him in Sedbergh WB922. Peter told me that the first two solos were flown well but on the third, the Sedbergh turned downwind early and the nose went down. Then it recovered from the dive and flew a normal circuit. Andrew apparently considered doing a loop but then thought of his horrified instructor on the ground and relented.[IMG]
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The "Royal" Barge WB922 has arrived back with 621VGS Historic Flight at Hullavington and is looking absolutely fantastic after its complete overhaul at Bicester by Dave Bullock.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200718176130774&set=gm.615347408483928&type =1&theatre
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200718176130774&set=gm.615347408483928&type =1&theatre
Last edited by WE992; 12th Jul 2013 at 21:25.
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Anybody flown this glider in the photo and have any stories to tell about it?
Slingsby T.31B Cadet TX3, BGA5283, Private
Slingsby T.31B Cadet TX3, BGA5283, Private
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Don't know about the Mk III but that's me standing next to the cockpit of WJ 306 (Sedbergh) in the background
And the Capstan in front (BSE) is known universally as "The Mad Cow"
And the Capstan in front (BSE) is known universally as "The Mad Cow"
Last edited by astir 8; 20th Aug 2013 at 14:45.
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Photos of the recently restored 'Royal Barge' can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/621-V...32970056815072
https://www.facebook.com/pages/621-V...32970056815072
Last edited by WE992; 20th Oct 2013 at 17:32.
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Only just found this thread.
2 months ago 643VGS at RAF Syerston was closed.
Due to conservation of airframe hours 644VGS, also at Syerston, converted from Vigilants to Vikings about a year ago. Now this year the powers that be decided to merge the 2 squadrons into one and chose to keep it as 644VGS (even though 644 is both the junior squadron and had not been at Syerston as long)
2 months ago 643VGS at RAF Syerston was closed.
Due to conservation of airframe hours 644VGS, also at Syerston, converted from Vigilants to Vikings about a year ago. Now this year the powers that be decided to merge the 2 squadrons into one and chose to keep it as 644VGS (even though 644 is both the junior squadron and had not been at Syerston as long)
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Browsing and came across this site. I did my course at Hawkinge in March 1958 instructed by F/O s Ladley and Deardon. Staff cadet at Hendon through to Oct 1960 and unfortunately have had little experience since then. It's going to bring back some memories going through this thread. Thanks.
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Welcome, Pete. You beat me by a few months. I was at Hawkinge in September and October 1958. I flew mainly with FO Mares, a bit with FL Matthews and Whittenbury, and just once with FL Ladley.
Laurence
Laurence
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I'm intrigued. Just noticed in my log book that I also did some solo flights in XA282 but in May and June 1960 at both Hendon and Hornchurch. They must have moved the gliders around quite a bit.