News Page

Staff Meeting - 12 January 2012

A reminder that Saturday 14th January is scheduled for an 'all staff' meeting. Staff are reminded to add their name to the roster and check their emails for details of the day. There will be flying up until 1300.

Former 618 Instructor passes away - 12 January 2012

A sad piece of news for the start of the new year. We have recently been informed of the passing of former A Category CI Ernie Ford. Ernie was an instructor at 618 during its tenure at West Malling. A few instructors currently at 618 remember Ernie with fondness. Ernie served in the RAF during WWII as a wireless op on Lancasters and in fact flew from RAF Syerston, home of RAFCGS, during this time. He flew at 618 on the old wooden fleet and converted onto the glassfibre fleet in 1982, retiring from Air Cadet gliding in 1984. Blue skies Ernie.

Shortest day leads to great result - 21 December 2011

On Sunday 18th December, under the watchful eye of the Duty Instructor, Plt Off Andrew Cross, the staff of 618 arrived for Duty at 6 am and began preparing the aircraft for a “Shortest Day of the year ” event. After a Breakfast of Bacon Butties and Tea , the briefing took place on the tight Schedule at 0700hrs and the first crews walked out to their aircraft in order to taxi out to the runway for a takeoff exactly at Sunrise - 0805 Local Time. Alas ,the weather god had arranged some frost and waiting for this to melt outside the hanger impeded the plan by a few minutes despite the blue sky above. One of the Vigilants failed to start in the cold ,and , after much lavishing of attention from the Boss and the CFI during the morning ,the Adjutant finally arrived at the aircraft around lunchtime and started it without drama. He was wondering why the others could not apply his magic touch! While this was going on the six GS cadets all began their sorties, and,since the cadets for GIC failed to show up , they had the aircraft to themselves. The operation was slick and everyone focussed well on the task with no pressure and worries. By early afternoon, two of the GS cadets had flown great solos and the boss had awarded FSC Charlotte Jacobs her Grade 1 pilot qualification. The flying continued until Sunset with all 4 aircraft landing before the deadline while the light was good enough All in all a very successful end to the year for 618

New staff G1 - 12 December 2011

Congratulations to FSC Regan Hawthorn on achieving his G1 after flying with Sqn Ldr Chris Heames of RAFCGS on their recent visit. Very much a surprise to Regan after his flight!

New 'B Cat' - 13 November 2011

Congratulations to CGI Graham Purchase on successfully completing his B Category Instructor at RAFCGS Syerston. Another DI for the books!

Welcome Back.. - 13 November 2011

......to Flt Lt Dave Hodgson RAF. For those who don't know him, Dave started at 618 as a Staff Cadet attaining his C Cat before joining the RAF. He is currently on hold from his pilot training and is based at RAFCGS Syerston as a C Cat instructor and is able to help us out at weekends.

New staff G1 - 25 October 2011

Congratulations to Lee O'Brien who recently became a CI (from Staff Cadet) and has successfully qualified as a Grade 1 instructor on Saturday 15th October.

Twins fly solo - 25 October 2011

An unusual event occured on the 15th October, when two cadets flew their first solo. Nothing unusual in this, but, they were twin brothers. First to solo was Sam, being sent by Flt Lt Wickwar RAFVR(T) and later in the day, Tom followed suit being sent by Flt Lt Iain Whittaker RAFVR(T). Congratulations to Sam and Tom Comber from 304 Hastings Sqn, Sussex Wing ATC.

New G1 - 05 October 2011

Congratulations to CGI Richard Clayden, who achieved his G1 qualification last weekend, (30th September).

618 VGS detachment to Abingdon - 21 September 2011

On the weekend of 3rd/4th September, 618 VGS completed a successful detachment to Abingdon Airfield, home of 612 VGS. This was necessary due to a whole weekend of other airfield useage at RAF Odiham. A full weekend of flying training was completed, including cross-country navigational exercises. Another weekend of otherwise 'non-flying' was saved!

New B Cat instructor - 21 September 2011

Congratulations to Off Cdt Steve Ward RAFVR(T) on successfully completing his B Category Instructors rating at ACCGS RAF Syerston.

Summer Course No. 2 - 21 September 2011

From the 6th to 14th August, 618 ran its second summer GS course, headed by the CFI, Flt Lt Peter Dempsey RAFVR(T). This course managed a full compliment of eight CCF cadets, namely; Till, McGladdery, Powell, Singbhuhi, Sampson, Lamb, Warren and (the CFIs namesake!), Dempsey. It was naother successful week, with all cadets achieving their solo wings - one of them a week later due to weather (again!)

Summer Course No. 1 - 21 September 2011

From 23rd to 31st July, 618 VGS ran the first of it's two summer GS courses under the control of Flt Lt Paul Knight RAFVR(T). Due to a shortage of categorised instructors and lack of airframes, only four GS cadets attended. As usual, the British Summer weather stepped in and only allowed three cadets to achieve solo by the end of the week. The last cadet was sent solo the following weekend, giving a 100% success rate. The cadets attending were, Thomas, Beer, French and Shaw, all of them CCF.

618 VGS detachment to RAF Halton - 21 September 2011

On Sunday 17th July, due to other airfield usage, 618 VGS detached to RAF Halton home of 613 VGS. A full days flying was achieved with staff of 618 VGS experiencing operations from a grass airfield, with a mix of other gliding and general light aviation. Most U/T staff achieved some solo flying from an unfamiliar airfield. A good use of a day that would have otherwise been non-operational.

Nathalie Kelk from 1034 (Surbiton) Sqn - 21 September 2011

On the 10th July, Nathalie Kelk completed her GS course by going solo. Nothing unusual, but the Training Officer noticed on the old 618 VGS news pages that her sister, Sophie Kelk, went solo two years ago and was sent by the same instructor, Sqn Ldr Melmore RAFVR(T) OC 618 VGS. A fine coincidence indeed!

Recent Staff Training Achievements - 06 July 2011

Following Andy Hinton's training on the recent Whitsun GS residential course, his C Cat Instructor rating was finally completed and awarded on the CFS weekend. Cdt Cpl Rob Smith, of Churchers College CCF, has now completed his AGT and been awarded his Gold Wings.

Air Cadet 70th Anniversary detachment to Manston Airport - 18 June 2011

On Friday 10th June 618 VGS detached four aircraft to former RAF Manston (Kent Intnl Airport), with the aim to fly 70 cadets from Kent Wing ATC to celebrate 70 years of the Air Training Corps. This was a return of 618 to its original home in 1963, before moving to RAF West Malling in 1964. Forty three cadets flew on Saturday with an added bonus of meeting the Red Arrows, who were displaying locally and landed at Manston to refuel. The remaining task of flying twenty seven cadets was completed on Sunday, just before the weather prevented further flying. The 70th cadet to fly was from 2433 Ramsgate Sqn and was flown by Flt Lt Phil Wickwar, who originally flew his first solo at Manston with 617 VGS in 1979. The weekend was a complete success, enjoyed by all and many contacts have been made for a return in 2012.

Whitsun GS course 2011 - 18 June 2011

This years Whitsun course, headed by Flt Lt Phil Wickwar, succeeded with all eight trainees completing their GS. Four cadets achieved solo and silver wings, and four achieving their GS blue wings. The week was dogged with aircraft unserviceability, with most days only having two aircraft. Despite this, on some days over 15 hours were flown, with a big push on the last day to complete the remaining solos in rather windy conditions. A big thank you to all the staff and Sqn Ldr Dave Horsley, Course Admin Officer, who attended this course and helped to make it a success. The next GS week will be run 23rd to 31st July.

Staff Training - 07 May 2011

On Friday 29th April a small group of staff attended Odiham to complete some transit training (TQ) and to enable Flt Lt Richie Mills to re-qualify as a Grade 1, being a former B Cat Instructor with 618 prior to joining the RAF. Unfortunately, weather prevented any TQ completions. Another recent staff qualification has been a Grade 2, achieved by Sqn Ldr Tony Clavell.

Easter 2011 GS Week Course - 27 April 2011

This years Easter course, headed by CGI Andy Cross and blessed with a full nine flying days due to unusually good weather, was an outstanding success with all eight trainees completing their GS. Six cadets achieved solo and silver wings, and two achieving their GS blue wings. An added bonus was one weekend cadet, Fiona McGregor-Ross of 229 Farnham Sqn, completed to GS solo. Other qualifications obtained during the week were, two AGT gold wings - to Michael Brough of 173 Orpington Sqn and Zac Hancox of 1927DF Petersfield. FSC Regan Hawthorn was also awarded his G2 gliding instructor's grade. A big thank you to all the staff who attended this course and helped to make it a resounding success.

Cadet Anniversary Celebrations - 27 April 2011

Following last years successful Cadet 150 celebrations, this year 618 VGS celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the formation of the ATC with a similar weekend of GIC flying. Cadets from Kent, Surrey, Hants & Isle of Wight, Sussex, CCF and Thames Valley, attended to achieve 70 GIC flights over the weekend. In total 84 cadets flew and the 70th cadet to fly had their special 70th Anniversary certificate presented by Grp Cpt Steve Shell (Station Commander, RAF Odiham). As an added bonus, cadet Richard Ings of 261 Guildford Sqn, completed his Gliding Scholarship Solo, watched by the Station Commander who subsequently presented his certificate and silver wings.

Squadron deploys to Farnborough International Airshow - 17 July 2010

618 VGS today deployed a flight of vigilant aircraft to the Farborough International Airshow in support of the Air Cadet Organisation. One has been placed into the ACO gliding area and will be joined in the coming days by a Viking and a runway control Caravan. The other, will be used to fly select VIPs.

Whitsum Course completes 6 Solos - 31 May 2010

The Whitsun GS week went off with a slow start due to poor weather on the first day and a shortage of GS trainees. Fortunately by the Sunday GS trainees were up to the numbers and a good start to the week followed. A first solo being acheived by a weekender, Cadet Ramsden of 228 Bromley Sqn, Kent Wing. The Bank Holiday Monday was lost due to an airfield track event, so no flying except the noise of motorbikes most of the day. The monotony was eased slightly by a visit to the resident Surrey Police Air Support Unit and a very enthusiastic ex Army Air Corps Pilot kept the trainees interested.

Two Cadets pulled out due to sickness by Tuesday, leaving our number to train down to five trainees.

Flying recommenced on Tuesday, with good weather each day and solos starting from the week from the Friday.

By the last day, Sunday, the last Cadet soloed, Cadet Philip Behean of St Albans School CCF, making the week a success despite the slow start, at 6 GS solos

Easter Course Success - 06 April 2010

This weeks 618 VG Easter Course was a great success despite weather.

The overall result was:

Three Silver Wings for the Cadets who completed a solo/Ghost Solo flight and four pairs of Blue wings for the Cadets who completed the Gliding Scholarship syllabus. Names and results can be found under the GS Section in the Roll of Honour.

The course began slowly with the unit being unable to use the cross runway due to the moving of Rotors Running Refuel area being re positioned as well as a rather full Chinook operational task.

As the week progress the weather improved and the result was eight completions on the Sunday.

My grateful thanks are due to all the staff who participated. The Cadets we had were a very good bunch and they were a pleasure to teach. Good Luck to them all in their future careers.

We are now well placed to continue into the summer months and are committed to achieving our tasking this year.

Weather Conditions Affecting Operations - 07 January 2010

Due to the winter weather experienced this week, Odiham has experienced over 300 mm of snow. The forecast is that temperature will not go above zero for the next 5 days and there is no prospect of a thaw. As a result, there will be no gliding at 618 this weekend (9-10th Jan).

We will be monitoring the situation for the following weekend (16 - 17th) but all Staff and trainees should report for duty as usual unless advised otherwise next week.

Easter GS Week - 01 April 2008

With only seven trainees and five instructors, with Flt Lt Tziros from 616 VGS RAF Henlow assisting during the weekdays, a notable result was acheived.  Six out of seven trainees gained their gliding scholarships, five gaining GS solo and one GS blue. The remaining trainee is returning to complete to solo, if the weather allows.

The week started well, but soon fell foul of the appalling Easter weather on the first Sunday. However, the first solo was acheived by the Monday with cadet Shepherd from Sussex Wing ATC, but by Tuesday with the Station having an ILS recalibration, with short-notice the Squadron detached to Abingdon for the day. All four aircraft had to be away from the airfield by 10am, or face a grounding due to the work with the runway. This being discovered at 9am that morning!  So with undue haste and organisation everyone dispersed to our temporary satellite airfield for the day.

Success there came in the shape of two solos for the trainees, cadets Wootten from Kent Wing ATC and Under Officer O'Brien from Welbeck College CCF.  All returning safely at the end of the days supreme efforts on all staff and cadets behalf.

The weather then started to change for the worst with strong cross-winds as well as rain and a touch of snow.  This precluded any further training until the last day when cadet Silverman from Kent Wing gained a solo, with Under Officer Gill going "ghost" due to the wind going out of limits.  Cadet Lipington, Kent Wing, completed the GS with a blue with Cadet Lockwood also from Kent Wing, near to solo but due to the weather will return at the weekends to complete.

A good result and a good week had by all over a mixed-bag of weather for the week.  

618 completes a Record Flying Year - 07 January 2008

618VGS flew more than 1000 hours in a year for the first time in 2007. This makes it the best year ever since the Squadron began operations at RAF Odiham in 2000.

Over 60 Gliding Scholarships have been completed since the beginning of the financial year and the number of GIC's completed is heading for records again.  However the best result is that the number of Cadets flying Solo has also increased with 70% of those on a GS course actually flying the Vigilant on their own for the first time.

OC 618 , Sqn Ldr Allan Melmore, said that the performance improvement was the due to the Staff instructing team working well together and was the implementation of a plan that began in September 2005 to improve the structure and enable staff to improve their individual performance as instructors. The benefits of this hard work will apply to all the cadets of the ATC and CCF Units we support at Odiham.  

Station Commander Awarded Vigilant Instructor Category - 20 May 2007

Group Captain Sean Reynolds, the Station commander, has been awarded a “B” instructor category on the Vigilant after successfully completing his instructor course with Flt Lt Mike Dolphin of ACCGS at Odiham in April.  
A B Category Allows Gp Capt Reynolds to Teach both the Gliding Scholarship and Advanced Training Syllabus to Cadets and Trainee instructors.
The Photograph shows Gp Capt Reynolds in the cockpit of a Vigilant with OC 618VGS Sqn Ldr Allan Melmore.

Plt Off K J Burns - 20 May 2007

Instructor Kevin Burns has been commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Training Branch with the rank of pilot officer with effect from 10th May. Kevin will continue as to act in his capacity as Technical Officer (airframes) for the foreseeable future.

618 Instructors visit London Centre for Distress and Diversion Cell. - 20 May 2007

For any unfortunate pilot who gets him or her self into a situation where they are “temporarily uncertain of their position” or worse, it will be comforting to know that the instant you set 121.5 on the radio and call a “PAN” or a “Mayday” three laser beams stream across the map intersecting at a point within approximately 3 nautical miles of your location. From then on you are in safe hands that will guide you to an aerodrome with any and all of the specialised facilities you or your aircraft might require.
To find out more of how this worked, 618 VGS Instructors, Sqn Ldr Melmore, Flt Lt Brian Gough, Fg Off Knight  and  Plt Off  Burns and had a very interesting & informative morning at West Drayton , thanks to the staff at the Distress and diversion Cell of LATCC Mil.
Flt Lt Rob Daniels, a 618 Instructor and Deputy DSATco at RAF Odiham kindly arranged a visit to the Distress and Diversion (D&D) Cell at London Air Traffic Control Centre (Mil) (LATCC Mil).
The Centre  is located at West Drayton, in Middlesex, which is just north of the M4 at The site at West Drayton is shared with the London Terminal Control Centre (LTCC), which is part of National Air Traffic Services Ltd. LTCC is administered by a General Manager and the Senior LTCC Management Team, of which OC LATCC (Mil) is a member.
Currently it is planned  that LATCC will remain at West Drayton until moving to its new home at Swanick, near Fareham, Hampshire sometime in January 2008.

Gliding Scholarship Completion - 15 April 2007

Congratulations to Cpl Thomas Davies from Surbiton and Cpl Felicity Stott from Godalming who have completed the Gliding Scholarship with Cpl Davies completing a solo flight.

The Cadets are shown here receiving their wings from the RAF Odiham Station Commander, Group Captain Sean Reynolds.

Very well done to you both!

Mike Sexton achieves AGT1 - 15 April 2007

Congratulations to FSC Mike Sexton for completing the Advanced Gliding Training 1 course. This course builds on the Gliding Scholarship syllabus by allowing further training in advanced turning, landing in a defined area and consolidation of solo circuit flying.

More solo flights for Easter! - 11 April 2007

This weeks 618 VGS Easter Course was a qualified success.

The overall result was:

Four Silver Wings for the Cadets who completed a solo flight and One pair of Blue wings for the Cadet who completed the Gliding Scholarship syllabus.

We also had many weekdays with GIC cadets attending and the Station Commander, Gp Capt Sean Reynolds, was with us for several afternoons and also presented the Wings to the Trainees on Saturday.

Additionally Flt Lt Rob Daniel made a successful first solo and CGI Glen McBean achieved his Grade 2.

The Staff of 618 who were there for the majority of the course included CGIs Mike Forbes, Andrew Cross, David Hodgson and Plt Off Peter Hewstone. Additional help during weekdays from CGI Glen McBean, Sqn Ldr Gary Southcott, Sqn Ldr Greg Garrod-Bell, Fg Off Iain Whittaker, L/Cpl Richie Mills, CGI Kevin Burns and FSC Mike Sexton aided the operation.    

Thanks to the hard work of this crew and some fine relief instructors including Fg Off Ryan Foils from ACCGS, Flt Lt Alex Tziros & Fg Off Neil Battye from 616 VGS and Flt Lt David Temple from 612 VGS.

Additionally on the ground we relied on the Rev.Flt Lt Martin Walker and Squadron Leader Graham Pattenden, both actually 616 VGS Supernumerary Staff, to act as the Camp Admin Officer.

The course began slowly with high winds preventing full operations over the first weekend. Many movements on the ILS from Farnborough, poor visibility and restrictions on flying due to operational RAF Odiham traffic hindered progress at the start of the week but with improving weather at the end of the week the course was completed with solo flights being completed over the final weekend.

My grateful thanks are due to all the staff who participated. The Cadets we had were a very good bunch and they were a pleasure to teach. Good Luck to them all in their future careers.

Long time no see! - 11 April 2007

During a recent course at 618, 618 instructor Flt Lt Phil Wickwar (on the right in the photo) completed site checks with Flt Lt Alex Tziros of 616 VGS. The last time they flew together was 27 years ago in March 1979 in a T21 Sedburgh at 617VGS at RAF Manston when Flt Lt Wickwar was a young Cadet completing his Gliding Proficiency training.

Both instructors agreed not to wait another 27 years until they flew together again!!

Another Surrey Cadet flies Solo - 14 November 2006

Cpl Marie-Claire Thomas of 1075 (Camberley) Sqn ATC ,  made her fist solo flight on Remembrance Sunday, 12th November. Trained for the final part of her course by CGI Kevin Burns, Marie Clair completed the training during the morning. After a short stand-down for an Act of Remembrance by 618 Staff on the Airfield at Odiham, she took off from runway 28 and later made a very nice landing.  Marie Clair who wants to be an interpreter in the future was very pleased to receive her Silver Air Cadet Flying Badge from Sqn Ldr Allan Melmore, OC 618VGS.        

Shown here is CGI Burns congratulating Marie-Clair after her successful flight.    

A hat trick of solo flights! - 05 November 2006

A very busy and successful weekend has just been had at 618. The weather came up trumps just as a number of trainees were completing the Gliding Scholarship and Advanced Gliding Training courses.

Cdt Sgt Jayne Ede of 226 (Brighton No.2) and Cdt Sgt Robert Andrews of 11(F) Brooklands Squadron both completed solo flights in the Vigilant Motor Glider.

Flight Staff Cadet Mike Sexton of 565 (Raynes Park) Squadron is pictured here concentrating very hard on final approach during his first solo flight.

Adult Sergeant Justin Howard and Civilian Gliding Instructor Paul Booker both completed the Advanced Glider Training syllabus and will now continue to work up to the next major test, the Grade 2 Pilot test after which they will be able to fly solo in the local area to build knowledge and experience.

Well done from all at 618VGS.

618 Badge is official - 09 October 2006

The badge of 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, based at RAF Odiham, was presented to the Royal Air Force Club at a celebration dinner in London on 7th October.  The occasion was to mark the change of 618’s status from Gliding School to Squadron and was attended by many formers instructors and their guests. The whole evening and the production of the badge was organised by former Chief flying Instructor, Flt Lt Dennis Wright. All those present joined in congratulating him on such a well-run event.  

The Badge shows the motto “Instructi Acriter Tute Volate” which means “TRAIN HARD FLY SAFE” . It depicts a Green Circle representing the weald of Kent, where 618 Gliding School was formed in 1963, overlaid by the portcullis from St Leonard’s Tower in West Malling, its second home. To this is added the silhouette in red of a Glider presented at 45 degrees, which represents the angle of a winch launch.

The 618 badge for the presentation was prepared by the College of Arms and the Artwork and scrivening was painted by hand by a specialist scrivener and artist. The College maintains an ancient English tradition of manuscript writing and illumination, which can be traced back to the monastic scriptoria of the dark ages. The Royal Air Force Inspector of Badges approved the Badge. The Inspectorate was established in 1917. The current holder is Peter Gwynn-Jones, Garter King of Arms, appointed in 1996 whose signature adorns the official artwork. The Inspector provides advice on all heraldic matters pertaining to the RAF, such as Squadron and Station Badges.

Sqn Ldr Allan Melmore, Officer Commanding, 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, presented the framed painted badge on behalf of all the Staff and Former instructors of the Squadron to Peter Owen, the Secretary, who accepted on behalf of the Club. It will be hung in the first floor with all the other Squadron badges.

4th Continuous course a resounding success - 06 September 2006

Yet another continuous weekday flying course was concluded successfully with 3 solos and 5 Scholarships completed. Commanded by Fg Off Iain Whittaker, the 8 cadets from CCF units all around the country were able to learn to fly in demanding conditions. The thermals were very strong making control difficult, but they overcame this to complete and the photo shows Cdt Williams taxying to begin his solo flight. Integrating with RAF Odiham Rotary and Fixed wing traffic proved exciting for all the instructors and students alike.  Once again Airframe availability was below par and 618 was able to borrow an extra Vigilant from 616 at Henlow to augment its own fleet. After the completion of the course 3 Vigilants flew together to Henlow on Sunday Afternoon to allow 2 618 Vigilants to be used by 616 VGS at Henlow for the following week. The Transit formation provided a very good training opportunity with Fg Off Whittaker leading the three–ship combine through some busy airspace in order to complete modules of the Transit Qualification.  

A "Good" CFS visit for 618 - 02 August 2006

The Royal Air Force Central Flying School Examining Wing visited Odiham over the weekend of 29-20 th July and after flying with many of the instructors of 618 VGS pronounced a "Good" standard for the 4th year running.  
Highlights of the visit were Flying Officer Iain Whittaker obtaining his B category and GCI David Hodgson being recommended by Flt Lt Webber for his Grade One pilot qualification which the OC , Sqn Ldr Melmore , was happy to award.  
Both these instructors will be able help increase the 618 output, which is at record levels this year. This is all due to the dedication of the small team of volunteer staff now working together to train cadets to be pilots themselves.

Farnborough Success for ACO - 02 August 2006

618VGS was featured on Meridian TV recently when two Vigilant aircraft were deployed to the Farnborough International Air show (FI2006) to support the Air Cadet presence. One Aircraft was flown several times a day with various trade visitors whilst the other one was in public view on the ACO stand.
Instructors from several VGS assisted 618 in the task and on the Friday of the show, 618 were asked to show some pupils from the nearby Tomlinscote School around a Vigilant as part of a documentary relating to the International Youth Day at FI2006.  
Fg Off Don Lemmon, 618’s Adjutant was interviewed on Meridian TV showing the school visitors around the Aircraft, whilst two of the pupils, who were coincidently Air Cadets from Surrey Wing, were able to receive flights out of Farnborough.

618's most successful year to date - 10 July 2006

A record Gliding Scholarship result has just been passed by 618 VGS.

In only 3 months of the financial year, the volunteer team of instructors completed more Air Cadet Gliding Scholarships than in the whole of the previous year.  Commenting on the success OC 618 , Sqn Ldr Allan Melmore, said he now had a great team of staff who were working together for the benefit of the Organisation as a whole.

Mike Dolphin transfers to ACCGS. - 07 July 2006

Civilian Instructor Mike Dolphin, who has flown with 618 for the last year, has accepted a post to return to his former job at the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston in Lincolnshire.

This full time post as a Staff Instructor and Examiner will see Mike returning to his rank of Flight Lieutenant RAFR. Mike has played a valuable part in the significant increase in performance that 618 is experiencing this year with staff training and Gliding Scholarship course output improving over the previous year. Whilst his ever-present humour and good sense at 618 will be sorely missed, his contribution to the Air Cadet Gliding movement overall will increase as he helps train the senior instructors of the future.

Could you be a Flight Staff Cadet? - 14 June 2006

If you have recently completed a Gliding Scholarship have you thought about becoming a Flight Staff Cadet?

Flight Staff Cadets have an essential role to assist the school staff in the preparation and operation of Gliding training. You will be expected to spend two weekends a month at 618VGS and in return you will receive Advanced Gliding Training and if suitable you will be trained to be an instructor!! You could even fly other Cadets from your Squadron!

For more information email FSC@618vgs.org.uk

618 to attend the Farnborough International Air Display - 13 June 2006

618's Chief Flying Instructor, Flt Lt Brian Gough, recently completed his Transit Qualification (TQ). This allows him to plan and fly Vigilants to other Airfields in support of Air Cadet Gliding activities. 618VGS has been chosen to provide the Air Cadet Vigilant static display at the Farnborough International 2006. Two Vigilants will be in attendance, one on the Air Cadet Stand for the public to see and another ready for flying special guests of the Air Cadet Organisation exhibiting at Farnborough throughout the week.

Concorde Pilot Flies Solo with 618 - 12 June 2006

Lt Cdr Peter Benn RNR, who in his day job is a British Airways Pilot, has joined the staff of 618 VGS in order to help the unit train cadets at RAF Odiham. Lt Cdr Benn, who has flown numerous types ranging from Gliders to Concorde, is currently a Captain on the 747-400 and he recently made his first solo flight in a Vigilant. He was sent on his solo by Squadron Leader Allan Melmore who said that "Lt Cdr Benn had converted onto type in the minimum number of hours possible and would now progress quickly to train cadets on the Gliding Induction Course - the first step towards becoming an Instructor."

618 Badge updated - 12 June 2006

In October,  to mark 618 having officially been a Squadron for a year, there will be a formal dinner to present the Squadron Badge to the Royal Air Force Club in London. Present and former staff will be able to meet again and officially dine in the new badge.

The College of Arms is in the process of formally promulgating the amended design, which keeps the heritage of the 618VGS badge by just replacing the word School for Squadron and adding the new Motto, which translates to  "Train Hard, Fly Safe".  For more detail on the dinner, if you are serving or former member of staff, please email to the MCO@618vgs.org.uk and your request will be passed on to the organiser, Denis Wright, a Former CFI of 618VGS.

The Next Continuous Course - 05 June 2006

The 3rd continuous GS course this year will take place from Saturday 1st July to Sunday 9th July under the command of Flt Lt Philip Wickwar the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor (DCFI).

Another Successful Course at 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron - 03 June 2006

Cadet Sergeant Jack Wood of 1378 (Mold) Squadron of No 2 Welsh Wing flew solo this week during the Whitsun continuous course. All Cadets achieved a high standard of flying despite the crosswind and interruptions from the operational flying activity at RAF Odiham. Well done to them all!

Latest continuous course starts - 27 May 2006

On May 26th, Eight Cadets from Kent and No.2 and No.3 Welsh Wings commenced thir continuous gliding course to learn how to fly to fly the Vigilant Motor Glider.  Weather and Odiham operations permitting they should complete the course by the end of next weekend. Watch this space to see their progress…..

Grade 2 for FSC Hodgson - 14 May 2006

Flight Staff Cadet Dave Hodgson of 1254 (Godalming) Sqn today passed a Grade 2 pilot test.

FSC Hodgson is now able to develop his flying skills by flying solo in the local area and he will then convert to the right hand seat where he will be taught how to teach Cadets the Gliding Induction Course (GIC) syllabus.

FSC Hodgson is studying Aeronautical Engineering at Southampton University and is looking forward to being able to teach other Cadets how to fly once he has achieved his own proficiency in flying the Vigilant.  

ZH197 Returns - 08 May 2006

Vigilant ZH197 returned to Odiham yesterday after being detached to 616 VGS at Henlow.

1227 Sqn Cadet makes his first Solo - 08 May 2006

A fine example of a perfect first solo was made on Sunday 7th May by Cadet Chris Woodhams from 1227(Sidcup) Sqn of Kent Wing ATC.  

A Successful course over Easter for 8 Cadets - 28 April 2006

Eight female Cadets from the CCF and Sussex Wing ATC reached for the sky over the Easter holidays at RAF Odiham on a continuous gliding scholarship course.

By the end of the course they had all completed their flying both in the upper air and in the circuit and some were awarded their silver wings for a successful solo flight, whilst all the others achieved their blue wings.
All the Trainees were individually awarded their wings by the Station Commander, Group Captain Sean Reynolds, who had also been training on the Vigilant during the course and was awarded his Air Cadet Silver "Wings" for a successful solo flight in the Vigilant. Despite being an accomplished RAF Pilot this was Group Captain Reynolds first ever solo in a military piston engined Aircraft.

In addition to the flying programme, the cadets were able to take advantage of many station visits. 18 Squadron hosted them and showed them over the Chinook and later arranged some survival drills in the station pool. The Fire Crash Rescue Section taught them how to fight fires and gave them a ride in the Fire Crash Rescue Vehicle. The RAF Regiment provided an afternoon on the shooting range and said that they had all achieved a commendable pass of over 45 for their shooting – well done in particular to those girls who had never handled a weapon until being trained by the RAF Regiment.

The Chinook display team were practicing for this years air show appearances and the Cadets were able to watch the display from crowd centre. Later in the week they flew in a Chinook of 27 Sqn RAF that was practicing flying with underslung loads.

In all a fantastic time for the Cadets and the many 618 VGS volunteer staff who had taken time off from their day jobs to train these Cadets.

Fg Off Whittaker regains his Instructor Category - 22 April 2006

Following a successful week at the Air Cadets Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston , Fg Off Iain Whittaker returned with a C Instructional category.  

Visit to 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) By Admiral Alain Coldefy - 04 April 2006

Following a request for support from the Chief of Staff Air Cadets, 618 VGS hosted  Admiral Alain Coldefy the General Inspector for the French Armed Forces. for a brief visit to discuss the flying and gliding programme that 618 and all the other VGS’ offer to Air Cadets in the UK.

Accompanied by the French UK Defence Attaché, Rear Admiral Jacques Launay , and Lt Col Bob Tonkins of the British Directorate of Reserve Forces & Cadets, the party were shown around by the Officer Commanding 618 VGS, Squadron Leader Allan Melmore.

The visit was part of a fact-finding tour of the British Military Cadet organisations in the UK to compare them with services offered to youth in France.  618 VGS trains Air Cadets from many of the ATC and CCF Units located around the South East of England. It is tasked with achieving over 400 Induction courses for younger cadets and providing 80 Gliding Scholarships each of 10 hours flying every year. The best Cadets go on to advanced training and progress as Flight Staff Cadets to a standard where they can graduate from the Air Cadets Central Gliding School as Instructors. All the staff manning the unit are volunteers, some are commissioned officers in the RAFVR(T), adult NCOs or Civilian Instructors.
    
Although at short notice and on a weekday when they are not normally operating, the Squadron had arranged for several members of the instructing staff to come and meet the Admiral and discuss the training and gliding organisation of the VGS.  To help set the scene OC 461 (Chichester) Sqn, Flt Lt Jo Turner, brought five cadets from Sussex Wing ATC for Gliding Induction Courses, which were flown that day in the Vigilant Motor Glider.

The Admirals were able to speak with the staff and cadets and discuss their training and views on the course. The Admiral was shown around the briefing complex and crew room and also the Hangar where he looked around one of the 4 Vigilant Aircraft, which equip 618 VGS.  

RAF Odiham Air Traffic Control and Sqn Ldr Martin Jago (Sqn Ldr OPS) at Odiham were helpful by allowing 618 to operate midweek during this visit. He allowed the Vigilants to use Odiham’s short runway during a busy period for rotary flying as the Vigilants would not have been able to use the main runway due to strong crosswinds.
This meant the cadets on course could be trained without problems and then they were able to discuss their experience with to the Admiral and his party. Odiham Flying operations were very intense during his visit and he remarked favourably at the support that RAF Odiham gave to 618VGS.

Cadet Flies Solo - 20 March 2006

F/Sgt Sophie Kelk of 1034 (Surbiton) Sqn in Surrey Wing flew a perfect first solo flight on Sunday 19th March. She was trained to fly the Vigilant Motor Glider over the last 2 months and despite the poor weather experienced stuck at the course and succeeded.

Officer Commanding 618 VGS , Sqn Ldr Allan Melmore sent Sophie on her solo and congratulated her on its completion. She is awarded the Silver Air Cadet "wings"  for solo glider pilots.  He paid tribute to all Sophie's instructors.

Another G1 - 15 March 2006

Captain Graham Brown has recently been awarded a Grade 1 flying category. Captain Brown, an Officer in the Royal Signals, has recently joined 618 VGS from 642 VGS at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

C Cat for Crossy - 06 March 2006

Civilian Gliding Instructor Andrew Cross has just completed his ‘C’ category instructor course at the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston. Andrew is very proud to have achieved the first major category on the instructor ladder and is looking forward to teaching Air Cadets the Gliding Scholarship syllabus.

G1 Award - 04 March 2006

Flying Officer Iain Whittaker has recently been awarded the Grade 1 pilot flying award. Flying Officer Whittaker, who has recently joined 618 VGS following a period serving with Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing, is the 618VGS Supply Officer and also instructs at the 19 (Crawley) ATC Squadron.

New B Category - 24 February 2006

Civilian Gliding Instructor Angus Barr has been awarded the ‘B’ Flying Instructor Category. The ‘B’ category recognises Angus as a capable pilot and instructor and allows Angus to supervise gliding operations, to teach the Advanced Gliding Training syllabus and additional staff Training.

G1 Award - 12 February 2006

Civilian Gliding Instructor Chris Drewe has recently gained a Grade 1 pilot award following his return to 618VGS following some time away to begin a family. Chris is looking forward to regaining his ‘B’ instructor category at RAF Syerston this Spring.

Continuous Courses 2006 - 26 December 2005

During 2006 618 VGS will be running the following Continuous Courses.

If you are interested in attending a Continuous course with 618 or attending the VGS as one of you weekend trainees then please contact the Training Officer or speak to your WGLO.



Week 1 - Thursday 13.04.06 to Sunday 23.04.06 - Easter

Week 2 - Saturday 27.05.06 to Sunday 04.06.06 - Whitsun

Week 3 - Saturday 1.7.06 to Sunday 9.7.06 - Summer 1

Week 4 - Saturday 19.08.06 to Sunday 27.08.06 - Summer 2

New CFI - 12 September 2005

Flt Lt Brian Gough has taken over as Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) of 618 VGS. Formerly the DCFI, Brian has a wealth of experience on both the Viking and Vigilant Aircraft. In another move Flt Lt Philip Wickwar, the Cadet training Officer is appointed the role of DCFI.