On the 27th of January 2019, myself and Cdt Kirk got the chance to go gliding at RAF Syerston in Leicester. It was a windy day so unfortunately, we couldn’t fly, but we were able to complete the ground school element of the Bronze Gliding Syllabus.

We learnt about the Viking Glider itself and what controls are in this aircraft, we then tried the parachute on and learnt how to jump out in an emergency. We then were able to have a go on the flight simulator and have a practice with the controls, since it was our first time sitting in a glider simulator. We learnt how to use the aircraft and how to pitch roll and yaw, we also were taught to land our aircrafts on the simulator which I think was fun. After we had finished on the simulator we got to go and see the gliders in the hanger. We were able to sit in the aircraft to feel what it was like in a real glider which was also fun.

After we went to see the gliders, we were lucky enough to then then go and see a Tornado jet, we got told that it was made from different parts of different tornados, which I found really interesting. We were also told that the aircraft was flown by the same two pilots and that they had their names engraved on the side of the aircraft.

Even though we didn’t go gliding we had a great time and would definitely recommend it, and I am really looking forward to going back to hopefully get in the air.

By Cdt Elle Bloomer