Air Cadets grounded?
In my day (Sedburghs and Mk 3s) everybody mucked in and helped, with cadets visiting for AEG being briefed before getting near an aircraft and being monitored for a short time by a staff cadet.
Visiting cadets/staff did not drive retrieve vehicles either, that was done by staff cadets or VGS adult staff; you couldn't just jump into a Landrover and tow a glider, it needed speciallised instruction and an RAF driving licence.
Visiting cadets/staff did not drive retrieve vehicles either, that was done by staff cadets or VGS adult staff; you couldn't just jump into a Landrover and tow a glider, it needed speciallised instruction and an RAF driving licence.
Launches per per hour is a meaningless metric for Cadet flying, if everyone is engaged and participating then you have succeeded.
But there has to be something to aspire to. That 12 year old running the wing for a Cadet solo will be thinking, “someday that will be me”. Hard to see how you can have that positive dynamic when all you can offer for a “flying” experience is a hokey computer game part task trainer........
Running the wingtip
BP I agree; the AEF thing was never big on my hit list as apart from anything else we spent more time in coaches and 'not flying due something or other' so the experience was not that great.
Compare that to my first visit to a Gliding School (as was) as a 12 year old. Within minutes actually handling a machine and assisting with all those simple yet important tasks that made the operation run. Apart from getting a couple of 'never to be forgotten' rocket like launches in a converted wooden box (MK3) there was dashing off in Landrovers to retrieve and (in those days) the walk back over the airfield. Add to that getting a ride or two in the Austin to the winches to find other Cadets actually driving them. This was the USP of the ATC organisation and also a bit of a secret to the outside world. Before Gliding AE started only Cadets doing their A&B course had experienced this part of our organisation so it was far from well known. It did not need complicated equipment and in fact all of the transport was retired trucks from the RAF, and only the winches had been brand new. This then was 'jewel' in the system and in my case the best part of what the ATC offered. Cadets being mentored by other Cadets and everyone having something to do and contribute to getting the machines flying. We did not need flying suits and helmets, parachutes and headsets, just enthusiasm;with the opportunity to be 'HANDS ON' in going flying. THE BEST SELF DEVELOPING EXPERIENCE EVER INVENTED.
Compare that to my first visit to a Gliding School (as was) as a 12 year old. Within minutes actually handling a machine and assisting with all those simple yet important tasks that made the operation run. Apart from getting a couple of 'never to be forgotten' rocket like launches in a converted wooden box (MK3) there was dashing off in Landrovers to retrieve and (in those days) the walk back over the airfield. Add to that getting a ride or two in the Austin to the winches to find other Cadets actually driving them. This was the USP of the ATC organisation and also a bit of a secret to the outside world. Before Gliding AE started only Cadets doing their A&B course had experienced this part of our organisation so it was far from well known. It did not need complicated equipment and in fact all of the transport was retired trucks from the RAF, and only the winches had been brand new. This then was 'jewel' in the system and in my case the best part of what the ATC offered. Cadets being mentored by other Cadets and everyone having something to do and contribute to getting the machines flying. We did not need flying suits and helmets, parachutes and headsets, just enthusiasm;with the opportunity to be 'HANDS ON' in going flying. THE BEST SELF DEVELOPING EXPERIENCE EVER INVENTED.
Chetwynd not really suited I think - probably a bit on the small side. Is it still in use as an RLG ??
Manston was OK for Ops although later on traffic became an issue. Northern grass was only small but suited basic ops (like Cranwell North). Now there is nothing there.....................
Manston was OK for Ops although later on traffic became an issue. Northern grass was only small but suited basic ops (like Cranwell North). Now there is nothing there.....................
We've forgotten the biggest military grass airfield in the country which is little used at weekends - Middle Wallop!
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The northern grass was Ok for basic Mk3 work but not so sure about the Viking though - and actually the Northern grass was where Eugene Esmonde and his Swordfish took off from to try and intercept the Channel Dash in 1942.
Middle Wallop was on my list............................ (see above)
Arc
Middle Wallop was on my list............................ (see above)
Arc
The northern grass was Ok for basic Mk3 work but not so sure about the Viking though - and actually the Northern grass was where Eugene Esmonde and his Swordfish took off from to try and intercept the Channel Dash in 1942.
Middle Wallop was on my list............................ (see above)
Arc
Middle Wallop was on my list............................ (see above)
Arc
How 'bout Honington then? Still under RAF control, in fact one or two disuseds still under MOD control (Bodney and East Wretham) in the nearby Stanford Training Area both seeing occasional Herc Ops.
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Honington also on my list.
East Wretham has no proper airfield since 1948. There is a helipad there though.
Bodney is in a similar state - heli Ops only there now. No proper airfield since the late 40's
Swanton Morley is the site currently being bandied about for a VGS in these parts................. and could be a valid choice.
Arc
East Wretham has no proper airfield since 1948. There is a helipad there though.
Bodney is in a similar state - heli Ops only there now. No proper airfield since the late 40's
Swanton Morley is the site currently being bandied about for a VGS in these parts................. and could be a valid choice.
Arc
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Honington also on my list.
East Wretham has no proper airfield since 1948. There is a helipad there though.
Bodney is in a similar state - heli Ops only there now. No proper airfield since the late 40's
Swanton Morley is the site currently being bandied about for a VGS in these parts................. and could be a valid choice.
Arc
East Wretham has no proper airfield since 1948. There is a helipad there though.
Bodney is in a similar state - heli Ops only there now. No proper airfield since the late 40's
Swanton Morley is the site currently being bandied about for a VGS in these parts................. and could be a valid choice.
Arc
MACHINES
With the Vigilant now out of the equation, and SS sending finished machines to Syerston why are these aircraft not winging their way to the potential users. SERCO are still being paid to provide a service, but aircraft do not seem to be forthcoming from their part of the process. In fact there does not appear to be a future 'service plan' for these machines or the personnel to look after them. Grob did not want to get involved in the Vig debacle hence the 'pull', so who is going to accept responsibility for the 'repaired' (not re-lifed) Vikings, and how much life is there in them. Remember the only Viking SERCO 'recovered' is overweight and (oversize) so hardly a model of excellence.
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
with it's amazing infrastructure and roads/railways/airports setup...................
TBH I think with the massively contracting Defence estate HQAC and 2FTS are clutching at straws for relocation of units................
Surprised they didn't try and get in at Honington frankly where facilities are better and also it reduces cadet travel by at least an hour if you are coming from the south, east or west................ but don't let real hard facts bias your judgement, although maybe Swanton was all that the Defence Estates offered them.
Arc
TBH I think with the massively contracting Defence estate HQAC and 2FTS are clutching at straws for relocation of units................
Surprised they didn't try and get in at Honington frankly where facilities are better and also it reduces cadet travel by at least an hour if you are coming from the south, east or west................ but don't let real hard facts bias your judgement, although maybe Swanton was all that the Defence Estates offered them.
Arc
Change of direction
The more this sorry saga goes on the more suspicious I get re the motives emanating from 2 FTS.
The whole ' jam tomorrow ' scenario looks to be an excuse for easing away from an essentially volunteer run organisation and building up a new set up (big hubs, accommodation blocks, transport requirement,.catering requirement, etc) just like a mini Syerston, and no doubt run like the AEF.
And who will run these operations (devoid of Staff Cadets and CI's). Well HQAC itself have become a convenient 'home' for Pension toppers so why change the model.
In any other organisation the leaderless top would have long gone, and a new regime imposed by the shareholders, but in the AC organisation the VOLUNTEERS and Cadets are those paying the price for the gross failures of others. The VGS were just lied to, and their efforts dismissed by those that were incapable of doing their own job to a satisfactory level. The TRUTH has been watered down by 'cascading' rubbish from HQAC and 2 FTS to the point that they must know what they are saying is not based on facts yet they bring on more Ce-lebs, and carry on. Utterly disgraceful and a good enough reason to say :- It 'WAS' a great organisation that ANYONE could join and explore their potential. They have completely failed the 'AIR' word, and have just become burdened by job sitters and non deliverers. To the Volunteers I say You are/were better than them and really showed what VENTURE ADVENTURE was all about., sorry you were shafted by such a sorry bunch.
The whole ' jam tomorrow ' scenario looks to be an excuse for easing away from an essentially volunteer run organisation and building up a new set up (big hubs, accommodation blocks, transport requirement,.catering requirement, etc) just like a mini Syerston, and no doubt run like the AEF.
And who will run these operations (devoid of Staff Cadets and CI's). Well HQAC itself have become a convenient 'home' for Pension toppers so why change the model.
In any other organisation the leaderless top would have long gone, and a new regime imposed by the shareholders, but in the AC organisation the VOLUNTEERS and Cadets are those paying the price for the gross failures of others. The VGS were just lied to, and their efforts dismissed by those that were incapable of doing their own job to a satisfactory level. The TRUTH has been watered down by 'cascading' rubbish from HQAC and 2 FTS to the point that they must know what they are saying is not based on facts yet they bring on more Ce-lebs, and carry on. Utterly disgraceful and a good enough reason to say :- It 'WAS' a great organisation that ANYONE could join and explore their potential. They have completely failed the 'AIR' word, and have just become burdened by job sitters and non deliverers. To the Volunteers I say You are/were better than them and really showed what VENTURE ADVENTURE was all about., sorry you were shafted by such a sorry bunch.
The more this sorry saga goes on the more suspicious I get re the motives emanating from 2 FTS.
The whole ' jam tomorrow ' scenario looks to be an excuse for easing away from an essentially volunteer run organisation and building up a new set up (big hubs, accommodation blocks, transport requirement,.catering requirement, etc) just like a mini Syerston, and no doubt run like the AEF.
And who will run these operations (devoid of Staff Cadets and CI's). Well HQAC itself have become a convenient 'home' for Pension toppers so why change the model.
In any other organisation the leaderless top would have long gone, and a new regime imposed by the shareholders, but in the AC organisation the VOLUNTEERS and Cadets are those paying the price for the gross failures of others. The VGS were just lied to, and their efforts dismissed by those that were incapable of doing their own job to a satisfactory level. The TRUTH has been watered down by 'cascading' rubbish from HQAC and 2 FTS to the point that they must know what they are saying is not based on facts yet they bring on more Ce-lebs, and carry on. Utterly disgraceful and a good enough reason to say :- It 'WAS' a great organisation that ANYONE could join and explore their potential. They have completely failed the 'AIR' word, and have just become burdened by job sitters and non deliverers. To the Volunteers I say You are/were better than them and really showed what VENTURE ADVENTURE was all about., sorry you were shafted by such a sorry bunch.
The whole ' jam tomorrow ' scenario looks to be an excuse for easing away from an essentially volunteer run organisation and building up a new set up (big hubs, accommodation blocks, transport requirement,.catering requirement, etc) just like a mini Syerston, and no doubt run like the AEF.
And who will run these operations (devoid of Staff Cadets and CI's). Well HQAC itself have become a convenient 'home' for Pension toppers so why change the model.
In any other organisation the leaderless top would have long gone, and a new regime imposed by the shareholders, but in the AC organisation the VOLUNTEERS and Cadets are those paying the price for the gross failures of others. The VGS were just lied to, and their efforts dismissed by those that were incapable of doing their own job to a satisfactory level. The TRUTH has been watered down by 'cascading' rubbish from HQAC and 2 FTS to the point that they must know what they are saying is not based on facts yet they bring on more Ce-lebs, and carry on. Utterly disgraceful and a good enough reason to say :- It 'WAS' a great organisation that ANYONE could join and explore their potential. They have completely failed the 'AIR' word, and have just become burdened by job sitters and non deliverers. To the Volunteers I say You are/were better than them and really showed what VENTURE ADVENTURE was all about., sorry you were shafted by such a sorry bunch.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sneaking up on the Runway and leaping out to grab it unawares
Age: 61
Posts: 684
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The more this sorry saga goes on the more suspicious I get re the motives emanating from 2 FTS.
The whole ' jam tomorrow ' scenario looks to be an excuse for easing away from an essentially volunteer run organisation and building up a new set up (big hubs, accommodation blocks, transport requirement,.catering requirement, etc) just like a mini Syerston, and no doubt run like the AEF.
And who will run these operations (devoid of Staff Cadets and CI's). Well HQAC itself have become a convenient 'home' for Pension toppers so why change the model.
In any other organisation the leaderless top would have long gone, and a new regime imposed by the shareholders, but in the AC organisation the VOLUNTEERS and Cadets are those paying the price for the gross failures of others. The VGS were just lied to, and their efforts dismissed by those that were incapable of doing their own job to a satisfactory level. The TRUTH has been watered down by 'cascading' rubbish from HQAC and 2 FTS to the point that they must know what they are saying is not based on facts yet they bring on more Ce-lebs, and carry on. Utterly disgraceful and a good enough reason to say :- It 'WAS' a great organisation that ANYONE could join and explore their potential. They have completely failed the 'AIR' word, and have just become burdened by job sitters and non deliverers. To the Volunteers I say You are/were better than them and really showed what VENTURE ADVENTURE was all about., sorry you were shafted by such a sorry bunch.
The whole ' jam tomorrow ' scenario looks to be an excuse for easing away from an essentially volunteer run organisation and building up a new set up (big hubs, accommodation blocks, transport requirement,.catering requirement, etc) just like a mini Syerston, and no doubt run like the AEF.
And who will run these operations (devoid of Staff Cadets and CI's). Well HQAC itself have become a convenient 'home' for Pension toppers so why change the model.
In any other organisation the leaderless top would have long gone, and a new regime imposed by the shareholders, but in the AC organisation the VOLUNTEERS and Cadets are those paying the price for the gross failures of others. The VGS were just lied to, and their efforts dismissed by those that were incapable of doing their own job to a satisfactory level. The TRUTH has been watered down by 'cascading' rubbish from HQAC and 2 FTS to the point that they must know what they are saying is not based on facts yet they bring on more Ce-lebs, and carry on. Utterly disgraceful and a good enough reason to say :- It 'WAS' a great organisation that ANYONE could join and explore their potential. They have completely failed the 'AIR' word, and have just become burdened by job sitters and non deliverers. To the Volunteers I say You are/were better than them and really showed what VENTURE ADVENTURE was all about., sorry you were shafted by such a sorry bunch.
OAP
Historic RAF Kenley
Kenley is still the named base for 615 and although they are as we know 'dormant' due a well known screw up in the system they have been a very long term unit there and indeed the only flying unit there since 1959. In fact Kenley owes its ongoing survival due to 615,and all those that have flown from there will know what an amazing place it is with an incredible historical significance. However there is a new threat in the making, so I have put a 'missive' on the Aviation History thread if you care to read it.
Thanks PP
Thanks PP