JOINING INSTRUCTIONS DOWNLOADS COURSE CONTENT CONTACT LINKS 645VGS NEWS

DOWNLOADS

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

While visiting 645 on a flying course, known as 'joining', certain rules and regulations must be adhered to in order to enjoy a safe and rewarding time with us. Please read the following instructions before your visit.

NOTE: Requirements to Fly

All cadets must be enrolled and in possession of a F3822.  The F3822 must be suitably endorsed by the Squadron CO with the parents consent to fly. On arrival the F3822 will be checked by a member of staff and those cadets who have not already done so will be asked to satisfy the requirements of the 'Parachute Pull Test'. You must have a high level of motivation. You must not have any temporary or permanent medical condition that would make flying unsafe for yourself or your pilot. You must be aged at least 13 years and 3 months.

All the above are a requirement before a cadet will be allowed to fly.

Gliding Scholarship Courses

The following instructions are for both weekend and continuous courses for both ATC and CCF cadets.

ADDRESS & TELEPHONE NUMBER

OC 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
RAF Topcliffe (Allanbrooke Barracks)
Thirsk
North Yorkshire
YO7 3ED

Tel:            01845 595 345 (Flying days only)
Mob:          07776 227 349 (Flying days only)
Fax:           01845 595 376

POINTS OF CONTACT

All general issues regarding 645 VGS operations should, in the first instance, be addressed to the Officer Commanding 645 VGS, Flt Lt S A Hughes RAF VR(T) at the address and contact numbers detailed above.

Any issues specifically regarding gliding courses should be made to:

	Adjutant: Flt Lt S J Hardwick RAF VR(T):             Bus:      0191 216 0727             Mobile: 07786 274 547             E-mail: slhard@yahoo.co.uk
	Admin Officer, Fg Off A. Egan RAF VR(T):            Home: 0191 584 1948            Mobile: 0797 642 8170            E-mail: andrew.egan@lineone.net

Alternatively you should contact your Wing Gliding Liaison Officer.

LOCATION

REPORTING

Weekend courses:

Trainees are to report for duty by 08.30 Hrs on Saturday morning and be expected to remain at the Gliding Squadron until end of operations on Sunday evening.

(NB: This will not usually be later than 1800Hrs).

Continuous courses:

Trainees are to report for duty by 18.00 Hrs on the evening prior to the course commencement date, and be expected to remain at the Gliding Squadron until end of operations on the final day of the course

(NB: This will not usually be later than 1800Hrs).

In all cases, trainees will initially need to report to the gatehouse of Allanbrooke Barracks before being directed to the Gliding Squadron located at No 2 Hanger R.A.F Topcliffe. (Follow the signs for “RAF Topcliffe”)

DOCUMENTATION

All trainees must have in their possession:

• F3822 (or CCF Record of Service Book)
• With ‘Parents Consent to Flying’ authorised
• With ‘Certificate of Fitness to Undergo Glider Pilot Training.’ completed
• Valid F6424 medical certificate
• Please note, that where part B of the F6424 has been completed by the trainees doctor, HQAC approval may be required prior to undergoing gliding training or solo flight.

Any medical limitations (either temporary, ie: a head cold) or permanent (ie: as detailed on the F6424) must be brought to the attention of the duty instructor prior to flying.

SECURITY

All MOD establishments operate a high level of security, and it is important that trainees are in possession of their F3822 Record of Service Book (or CCF Record of Service Book) at all times, as well as a copy of these joining instructions on their first visit to the unit. All baggage must be clearly marked with the cadet’s name, rank, ATC / CCF squadron and the unit being visited (645 VGS). Visitor’s vehicles will be issued with a temporary pass on arrival at the gatehouse and which must be returned to the gatehouse upon departure. Please note that baggage & vehicles may be subjected to random search by either Army or RAF personnel.

MESSING & ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available at RAF Topcliffe, however no bedding provision is available, so trainees must bring bedding or a sleeping bag with them. Lockers are provided (and should be used) during the weekend but must be emptied on Sunday evening and the key left. The Royal Artillery Cookhouse at Allanbrooke Barracks provides meals; meals are to be taken in uniform. Standard daily messing charges will apply, including a small levy for barrack damages. These monies will normally be collected on the Saturday of each weekend There is also a Londis shop located within Allanbrooke Barracks, however weekend opening hours are limited. For reasons of Flight Safety and regardless of age, cadets are not to consume alcohol for the duration of the course, either on or off the Station. They are also to ensure they have adequate sleep each evening before any gliding training takes place Alcohol is not permitted at 645VGS and any cadet found with alcohol will have the products confiscated and disposed of. Any trainee found breaking this rule will be suspended from their GS course, and their WHQ will be notified.

FLYING CLOTHING

Flying headsets & gloves will be provided by 645 VGS. Trainees will be required to bring their own flying overalls, either RAF issue flying suits, or standard squadron issue Velcro fastening coveralls. It is strongly advised that trainees bring a good quality pair of sunglasses for use when flying. Heavy DMS boots or footwear containing steel inserts are unsuitable for use in the aircraft, therefore trainees must bring suitable flying footwear - training shoes with thin soles are ideal.

ATTENDANCE

The course duration will vary depending on several factors (ie: the weather, aircraft serviceability and trainee ability), so you must be prepared to attend every weekend for a period of between four to eight weeks, and it should be noted that Gliding Scholarship training takes preference over all other Air Cadet activities.

Those who successfully complete the Gliding Scholarship course, may be given the opportunity to fly an aircraft solo during this course, but this can only happen if regular training is given, therefore regularly attendance is essential.

If you are unavailable to attend the course for a particular weekend, you must inform a senior member of the VGS staff, who will record this as an “authorised absence”.

Please note: WHQ are notified on a weekly basis of trainee attendances.

DEPARTURE

Trainees will normally be permitted to depart no later than 18.00 hrs on the Sunday evening. Should transport restrictions or other mitigating factors require a trainee to leave early, the Duty Instructor for that day must be advised so arrangements can be made.

GLIDING WINGS & CERTIFICATES

On the successful completion of the Gliding Scholarship course, wings and a certificate will be awarded at the debrief, however if this is not possible, wings and/or certificates will be forwarded from 645 VGS to the trainees WHQ, who in turn will forward them to the trainee’s squadron – this will normally be within 3-4 weeks.

KIT LIST

All attendees are required to bring with them:

• Messing money (this is subject to change, but is no more than £2.00 per day)
• Money for personal use
• Sleeping bag or bedding (sheets and or duvet) and pillow
• Wash kit and towels
• Working blue uniform, including beret
• Coveralls
• F3822 (or CCF Record of Service Book)
• F6424 medical certificate
• Sunglasses (even in the winter months)
• Light weight shoes for use in the aircraft (not slip-ons)
• Civilian clothes for off duty activities and travelling

S J Hardwick
Flt Lt RAF VR(T)
Adjutant 645 VGS

May 2009

TOP