Silver Wings for the Sergeant
Sgt Adam Jones, a cadet at 2425 (Nottingham Airport) Squadron ATC, has attained his ‘silver wings’ by carrying out a solo flight at the end of a gliding scholarship course at RAF Syerston. Sgt Jones said “I am delighted to have attained my silver wings and am now looking forward to the next level – going for my gold wings.” He attained his wings over 5 weekends at RAF Syerston. These sessions involved learning some aviation theory but most of the course was actually hands-on flying.
Anyone driving along the A46 between Nottingham and Newark may see the white and orange ATC gliders overhead. There are two types in use by the ATC: the Vigilant powered glider and the winch-launched Viking which is the one Sgt Jones flew.
The scholarship course is taught by qualified cadet or officer pilots. The first part of the course involved learning about advanced use of the aircraft controls. During the course he also had to learn how to handle simulated cable-breaks, where the towing cable, used to launch the glider, breaks before the aircraft is at optimum height for gliding. After learning about the aircraft controls he then moved onto landing the aircraft and finally learned the techniques for take off. Sgt Jones said “My first landing was a little on the heavy side but that’s par for the course when you are learning. When I finally went solo the realisation hit me that I was on my own this time! However, my landing was textbook and I was really excited to have flown solo for the first time”.
After attaining his gold wings he then hopes to become a gliding instructor so that he can teach others. Ultimately Sgt Jones is interested in a career with the RAF. Sgt Jones is the second cadet in a year to attain the scholarship. Last year Flt Sgt Chris Alwood also achieved this honour.
Article posted 17 March 09 Back to News index.