Post by robbo on Feb 21, 2006 19:16:57 GMT
Here's a quick guide to what's involved when you become a volunteer at a VGS. It is mainly focused on the way things are done at 633, however most of the information here will apply to VGS' across the country.
What is required from me as a volunteer at a VGS?
We ask that you give up one day per weekend every week as a minimum - if you can do more then it is very much appreciated, but not expected of you. In addition to weekends, we operate three to four continuous courses per year that can last from five to ten days, of which we ask you to attend at least two for the full duration.
Will I need to have my own equipment?
All flying gear will be issued to you for free after completion of a successful probation period. This will require your signature and must also be returned upon resignation from the unit. Kit includes all flying equipment (suit, aircrew shirts, boots, gloves, headset, etc.).
Do I need a Private Pilots Licence to join a VGS?
No formal flying experience is required, as full training will be provided. Whilst it may be seen by some as an advantage, your reliability and commitment to the unit is worth far more at this stage, as all staff will undergo thorough training before being allowed to fly the aircraft either solo or as an instructor regardless of their qualifications.
What can I expect in return?
The satisfaction of giving youngsters what could be their first experience of aviation, right through to sending them on their first solo flight in a light aircraft. All training is provided, as well as food and accomodation on continuous courses and weekends where required. Return travel expenses can also be claimed once you've reached a suitable category.
Though the commitment of having to attend for a whole day every weekend may seem a little bit daunting at first, the reward of knowing that you've made somebody's day by taking them on their first flight ever and potentially given somebody the enthusiasm to take up flying as a career or hobby can be immense.
Do I get paid?
Nope unfortunately not, it's just voluntary. Isn't free kit, accomodation and flying not enough?!?!
What does a typical day consist of?
Arriving at the VGS between 0815 and 0830 the first thing to do is unlock all of the buildings, including the hangar.
The main task initially is to get all of the aircraft serviced - each VGS will have between three and five aircraft. Here at Cosford we have five, so the hangar is always a bit busy first thing.
Vehicles are collected from MT, parachutes given their daily servicing, and the morning met brief is prepared. By around 0930 the morning brief is given, lasting approximately thirty minutes. The cadet's parachute and emergency brief is also given at the same time.
After the brief the day's flying task begins. This involves five pilots (one for each aircraft) and their students to fly, two crew for the fire truck (health and safety and all that!), a duty instructor (or DI) to oversee the safe operation of the aircraft. Other staff members prepare the next crews to fly and undertake other ground tasks.
We generally do not stop for a lunch break unless the temperature reaches suitably high temperatures, and each lunch in between sorties.
Refuelling is performed by suitably qualified staff who are available on the ground. The bowser has to be bought out from the fuel store first thing and taken back at the end of the day.
As sunset approaches we begin to start winding up for the day, when aircraft air cleaned, after flight services are performed on the aircraft by the last Captain to fly it, and final wrapping up of the day is carried out.
In order to make sure everything is locked up and finished from the days flying, we finalise everything by having the de-brief.
As you can imagine, in summer the working day can be quite long and tiresome. Things can get a bit hectic so working as a team is essential.
Ok, I've read that, what now?
If you havent been put off by any of the above and you think you'd like to join a VGS, get in touch with your local unit - new staff and faces are always needed, and I'm sure you'll be given a warm welcome at whichever VGS you decide to pay a visit to.
The best place to find a local VGS would be to check out the official Air Cadets website, www.aircadets.org.
Hopefully more information will be added to this post as time goes by, fingers crossed it has been a useful read for you!
Any questions, get in touch.
Rob
What is required from me as a volunteer at a VGS?
We ask that you give up one day per weekend every week as a minimum - if you can do more then it is very much appreciated, but not expected of you. In addition to weekends, we operate three to four continuous courses per year that can last from five to ten days, of which we ask you to attend at least two for the full duration.
Will I need to have my own equipment?
All flying gear will be issued to you for free after completion of a successful probation period. This will require your signature and must also be returned upon resignation from the unit. Kit includes all flying equipment (suit, aircrew shirts, boots, gloves, headset, etc.).
Do I need a Private Pilots Licence to join a VGS?
No formal flying experience is required, as full training will be provided. Whilst it may be seen by some as an advantage, your reliability and commitment to the unit is worth far more at this stage, as all staff will undergo thorough training before being allowed to fly the aircraft either solo or as an instructor regardless of their qualifications.
What can I expect in return?
The satisfaction of giving youngsters what could be their first experience of aviation, right through to sending them on their first solo flight in a light aircraft. All training is provided, as well as food and accomodation on continuous courses and weekends where required. Return travel expenses can also be claimed once you've reached a suitable category.
Though the commitment of having to attend for a whole day every weekend may seem a little bit daunting at first, the reward of knowing that you've made somebody's day by taking them on their first flight ever and potentially given somebody the enthusiasm to take up flying as a career or hobby can be immense.
Do I get paid?
Nope unfortunately not, it's just voluntary. Isn't free kit, accomodation and flying not enough?!?!
What does a typical day consist of?
Arriving at the VGS between 0815 and 0830 the first thing to do is unlock all of the buildings, including the hangar.
The main task initially is to get all of the aircraft serviced - each VGS will have between three and five aircraft. Here at Cosford we have five, so the hangar is always a bit busy first thing.
Vehicles are collected from MT, parachutes given their daily servicing, and the morning met brief is prepared. By around 0930 the morning brief is given, lasting approximately thirty minutes. The cadet's parachute and emergency brief is also given at the same time.
After the brief the day's flying task begins. This involves five pilots (one for each aircraft) and their students to fly, two crew for the fire truck (health and safety and all that!), a duty instructor (or DI) to oversee the safe operation of the aircraft. Other staff members prepare the next crews to fly and undertake other ground tasks.
We generally do not stop for a lunch break unless the temperature reaches suitably high temperatures, and each lunch in between sorties.
Refuelling is performed by suitably qualified staff who are available on the ground. The bowser has to be bought out from the fuel store first thing and taken back at the end of the day.
As sunset approaches we begin to start winding up for the day, when aircraft air cleaned, after flight services are performed on the aircraft by the last Captain to fly it, and final wrapping up of the day is carried out.
In order to make sure everything is locked up and finished from the days flying, we finalise everything by having the de-brief.
As you can imagine, in summer the working day can be quite long and tiresome. Things can get a bit hectic so working as a team is essential.
Ok, I've read that, what now?
If you havent been put off by any of the above and you think you'd like to join a VGS, get in touch with your local unit - new staff and faces are always needed, and I'm sure you'll be given a warm welcome at whichever VGS you decide to pay a visit to.
The best place to find a local VGS would be to check out the official Air Cadets website, www.aircadets.org.
Hopefully more information will be added to this post as time goes by, fingers crossed it has been a useful read for you!
Any questions, get in touch.
Rob
(I was about to go to uni)
A surprisingly common mistake I find!