Slingsby Type 31/ Cadet TX Mk.3
The vast majority of first solos were done on the T 31 (Mk3). Only those too large for the Mk3 were trained on the T21. Some sites only used T21s because of their small size. Obviously they sent all their cadets solo in the Barge.
The T21s main role was Air experience flying.
I guess I extrapolated from my personal experience without justification?
I was at Ouston for the A & B certificate and they operated only the T.21 for the few days (5?) I was there. Unfortunately
we were not able to finish and I only did one solo. I then went elsewhere a few months later and did another entire A & B course on the T.31 Tandem Tutor.The T.31 had a much inferior glide ratio and I seem to recall that circuits lasted barely three minutes as opposed to almost five for the T.21 Sedbergh. On an early T.31 landing the instructor was horrified when I gently extended the spoilers to (quite appropriately I thought) steepen the descent as I had been instructed on the T.21. There was no drama and as I recall, after I landed I was asked "Did I tell you to use the spoilers?". I was told not to use them again.
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During my time at the RAF Cosford Gliding Club, we only had a T21, so we all started on this. I flew solo in the T21, as we all did, in the early to mid seventies. Happy Days.
Does what is says on the tin 1
As a 'basic' Ist solo machine the Mk3 has to be the all time winner due to its ability to allow 'non streamed' or 'selected' youngsters to attain that magic of solo flight, and all with an amazing safety record.
Its contribution to youth development is as important as its aviation aspect, and that it could do this with so little flight time has never been equalled.
My abiding memory is of the Cadets arriving at Kenley and having to sort out a pair of wellies from a mountain in the store.
Luckily we never had to suffer the stupid intercom mod or wearing of grinding goggles, and indeed the genuine mk8 (complete with extra set of tinted lens) were supposed to be for winch drivers use, but went well with a soapy hat if a photo was to be taken.
The basic lessons of the MK3 were a great start in aviation, and got you into an early requirement for decision making without a group conference.
I suspect that a 2019 squadron Cadet would have a far better experience in an original MK3 than his 'ride' in a plastic bath tub in a portacabin (PTT)
Trendy it was not, but by golly what a performer for youth development.
Its contribution to youth development is as important as its aviation aspect, and that it could do this with so little flight time has never been equalled.
My abiding memory is of the Cadets arriving at Kenley and having to sort out a pair of wellies from a mountain in the store.
Luckily we never had to suffer the stupid intercom mod or wearing of grinding goggles, and indeed the genuine mk8 (complete with extra set of tinted lens) were supposed to be for winch drivers use, but went well with a soapy hat if a photo was to be taken.
The basic lessons of the MK3 were a great start in aviation, and got you into an early requirement for decision making without a group conference.
I suspect that a 2019 squadron Cadet would have a far better experience in an original MK3 than his 'ride' in a plastic bath tub in a portacabin (PTT)
Trendy it was not, but by golly what a performer for youth development.
RAF Hornchurch
First instructional flight T21, date 28 May 1960
First three solos, T31, date 26 June 1960
BGA A&B / ATC Gliding Proficiency
What a great start in life for a youngster!
First instructional flight T21, date 28 May 1960
First three solos, T31, date 26 June 1960
BGA A&B / ATC Gliding Proficiency
What a great start in life for a youngster!
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4 Counties
First solo in the "Barge" at the 4 Counties gliding club at Syerston. Much fun.
Any one remember Hamish taking off in the Barge with a pretty young thing, and spot landing 20 minutes later. Big smiles on both faces. It took us a while to realise he was wearing her t shirt and she his.
All clear above and behind.
Any one remember Hamish taking off in the Barge with a pretty young thing, and spot landing 20 minutes later. Big smiles on both faces. It took us a while to realise he was wearing her t shirt and she his.
All clear above and behind.
First solo in a Kirby Cadet Mk III (aka as a T.31) on my 23rd winch launch at RAF Spitalgate in May 1966. (I'm still flying nearly 53 years later!).
Last edited by 1.3VStall; 10th Jan 2019 at 08:39. Reason: spelling
Hi Dan W
Good to see that in spite of the combined efforts of both of us, (and several hundred ATC cadets) that WT919 survived over 20 years of first solos (7/3/60 to 11/4/80)
And Dave U, my glide performance would have been better, since I provided less obstruction to the airflow
Good to see that in spite of the combined efforts of both of us, (and several hundred ATC cadets) that WT919 survived over 20 years of first solos (7/3/60 to 11/4/80)
And Dave U, my glide performance would have been better, since I provided less obstruction to the airflow
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First trip in a Cadet Mk3 Dec 62 at a very snowy Swanton Morley on a course with Jeff Naylor, Dougie King and Co. Weather meant that I had to complete the course at Hendon (617 GS). First solo 9 Jun 63. Therafter, a happy 3 years as a staff cadet and CI at Hendon and Bovingdon before joining the RAF in 1966 for a 39 year career.
I'm sure the ATC (which also provided me with a Flying Scholarship to PPL standard and an International Exchange to Canada), shaped my life!
I'm sure the ATC (which also provided me with a Flying Scholarship to PPL standard and an International Exchange to Canada), shaped my life!
Last edited by olddog; 10th Jan 2019 at 10:10. Reason: Spelling!
Thread Starter
Ha ha ha! None taken Fitter! Seriously, thanks everyone for all the input - and I know we've all been saying it ad nauseam on the Air Cadets thread, but the old T.21s and T.31s really did change a lot of young people's lives. And what a great character-building exercise, to go solo in a week, and become the 'commander' of an aircraft at age 16 (even if only for three minutes at a time). Somehow, a simulator just isn't the same.
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First flight ever was in a Miles Magister from Lympe in (I think) 1949. Dad paid for a quick round the airfield job whilst we were on hols at Sandgate. First solo in a T31 at Martlesham Heath. First real solo in 1956 in a Chipmunk in Canada.. Thems were the days!
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First ever flight was an AES in a Chipmunk from Hamble. The Flight Lieutenant who did the safety briefing came into the room and announced, Tonight the target is Berlin". That got a huge laugh. I imagine that sort of humour is verboten now.
First solo was a T21 from Swanton Morely 4 days after my 16th birthday in 1973. Did 2 more that day to complete the A/B. I will never forget the thrill of that first flight or the nerves sitting there waiting for the cable to start to move. I was half way up the launch before I realised I was singing at the top of my voice. We had some great instructors on that course and I am very grateful to them for their patience.
First solo was a T21 from Swanton Morely 4 days after my 16th birthday in 1973. Did 2 more that day to complete the A/B. I will never forget the thrill of that first flight or the nerves sitting there waiting for the cable to start to move. I was half way up the launch before I realised I was singing at the top of my voice. We had some great instructors on that course and I am very grateful to them for their patience.
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