Air Cadet Pilot Scheme- Dundee
 

Hey guys!

I can't wait to start my course in June, and I was just wondering what peoples experience of the course was, so i can get a real flavour of what to expect?

Cheers,
Josh

Josh,

I think it's probably the same, or similar scheme: I did a Flying Scholarship at Carlisle in 1967 - yeah, I know, in pre-history! :sad:

It was the most incredible experience, and resulted in me making many life-long friends. Most of the students went into aviation as a career: both RAF and the airline industry. It was the most remarkable 'boost' that we had from the wonderful Air Cadet organisation. You are, indeed, fortunate to have been given this opportunity to get into some serious flying.

A warning - it's not easy. Work hard, and take it very seriously. But above all - enjoy every minute.

Good luck, Josh!

Everything I've read and everyone I've spoken to says its absolutely fantastic as well, and don't worry i'll take it seriously and have a bundle of fun!:ok:

I'm guessing the hotel I've got is a bit fancier than yours too;)

Enjoy it!
 

Josh, just enjoy the whole experience, you'll never forget those early days of flying!! Lucky to have done my Flying Scholarship there many moons ago, a very good set up there.

I completed my ACPS on the 18th January. It was a great course, very challenging and it demands your full attention. Unlike when you go flying with AEF's, here you actual learn how to fly. Its not just a case of a few loops and stall turns then back on the ground 30 minutes later.

The way it works is two courses overlap. So in your first week there will be another course on their final week of flying. They will get priority of the flying so don't expect getting 6 hours in your first week. However, on your second week you'll become the priority course so you'll be getting a lot of flying in. There will be a new course starting in your second week. As I said, you'll have priority over them.

Each sortie is around 1 hour long. Depending on what the exercise is. They try to get you up twice a day. Sometimes you get the chance to go up 3 times! If you're lucky.

All the intructors are brilliant. If you get to fly with the Chief instructor then be prepared to take some criticism. He can be harsh but he expects high standards of flying. Rightly so, as you'll be expected to be flying the aircraft solo after around 12 hours!

There is a small solo exam to revise for also. This consists of Air Law, Information about the aircraft and a few other things I can't remember off the top of my head.

Oh, don't forget to take some warm clothes. Its Bl**dy freezing in Dundee. Be prepared for early mornings and tiring days. All worth it in the end though. Fantastic course.

Any further questions feel free to give me a PM.

Good luck for the course. Remember the main thing is to enjoy it. The solo flight is a bonus!

Chris.

cheers guys!:ok:

don't think i can wait till june!:sad:

You forgot to mention the 2 hours of drill each day... :eek:

Sounds like a lot of fun and an experience which can lead to greater things.

Intrigued to know if there are similar courses in England, or is Dundee the only option?

Dead Pan
 

As far as I can tell Dundee has the contract for cadets from the whole of the UK.

And remember not to enjoy Dundee city center to much, also try and visit Broughty Ferry many good watering holes to enjoy there.;)

Some of the advice above is spot on...some a little off key.

Embrace the aims and objectives (including non flying).
Embrace the rules...and understand why they have them
Remember how rare it is for anybody to get 12 hours of flying and probably a solo or two, pretty much free of charge.
Work your a*se off to get the most out of it.
Do not expect it to be easy
be a great team player

...and you will have one of he most memorable experiences of your young life.

And prepare to be bounced by a fast moving Yellow and Silver machine if I catch you in the Coupar Angus vicinity....;)

Please say the drill was a joke...:{:eek:

Having been awarded a Flying Scholarship twenty odd years ago, how much flying do you get these days? Back then it was 30 (20 dual, 10 solo)...

its 12 now, but hey, 12 hours of free flying isn't to be complained at!:ok:

Tay they get up to exercise 14. No NAV unless they want to pay for it themselves which a very occasional one does.

They can solo buts that's about it.

Also remember that the instructors write a report to the RAF about your conduct and ability's. This has in the past caused some people issues if there conduct hasn't been the best when they have come to try and join the UAS or the RAF as an officer. So don't turn up stinking of beer, don't get caught shagging. Do turn up with brushed shoes, clean flight suit minus the mornings breakfast lefts overs. Try and curb previous knowledge, listen ask questions and fly to the best of your ability's.

You will have to pass an airlaw exam before you go solo, it would be beneficial to get Thom Airlaw or J Pratt Airlaw and study it before you turn up. Most library's have a copy in it if you don't want to buy it. A copy of book one of either of those series will also give you the long briefs to read up on before arriving. But the briefings are CFS standardised so may be slightly different. The method in the books for flying the approach is not the one you will be taught so don't read it. You may also find the aircraft general useful although there is no requirement for you to have this knowledge.

Also occasionally an instructor shows up from CFS. He will note smart attire and officer like attributes.

If you want to continue to train afterwards have a look at Airleague bursary's and also GAPAN bursary's all of which can be also done in Dundee.

Thanks for the tips mad_jock,

Do you thing that my CO will get a copy of the report? As I'm quite looking forward to getting my sgt ranks slides!:p

Don't have a clue what happens to the reports. But I presume your boss will get a copy. These things tend to happen in the military.

I don't know anyone instructing there these days so my observations are from ten years ago.

Just a couple of alterations to MJ's otherwise wise council.

It's not the Air Law exam, its a purpose designed "first solo" exam. (they changed it after your time MJ)

To head off the inevitable "you-must-pass-your-air-law-before-you solo-under-caa-ppl-rules"....no you don't.

No pre course study is necessary (but remember, 95% of all these Cadets will have soloed previously in glider, so they are not total noobs to the the flying scheme). There is a full groundschool.

Up to 2 years ago (when I was involved) alcohol was prohibited (for all ages) and a quick way to sent home.

CFS attend regularly both to certify the civilian instructors to instruct on the ACPS and to audit the output (they fly with about 15% of all cadets who solo).

The reports go to your ATC boss and ATC HQ RAFC Cranwell. If you fly with the CFS, they will write a report as well. Incidentally, if you are lucky to be one of these, it a 13th hours and all hours can be logged in the usual PPL fashion. You will get a fully certified log book out of it.

The reports belong to the RAF (MOD) as you would expect, since they are paying.

Search youtube for "ACPS Dundee" (but ignore "Fawlty Towers" they don't stay there anymore.)

Again, it will be awesome, the more you put in, the more you will get out.

Finally re drill

wind ups between courses are both frequent and successful :E

Damn - found out! Actually I've no idea so don't blame me if it turns out to be true.

May sound like an odd question but I'd be interested to know if there any female cadets on the course? Assuming it is an equal opportunities thingy. The reason I ask is my daughter is at the other end of the Air Cadet pipeline having just joined our local squadron. She's absolutely loving it and would no doubt relish an opportunity to do something like this in a few years.

Shame there isn't a forum for all things Air Cadets on PPRuNe (mods - if you're reading this, get to it..)

Cheers again for all the replies,

I think I've exhausted all the youtube videos!:ok: and even though its an equal opportunity thing, I'm guessing there's likely to be more guys than girls on the course just because its one of those things, having said that girls out number guys at my sqn so you never know!

Oh! and I second the cadet forum idea!