644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron

19/10/2026

✈️ Gliding Scholarship Solo at 644 VGS!

Congratulations to Cadet FS Gapp, of Loughborough CCF, who has recently completed his first solo flight as part of his Gliding Scholarship!

Flying solo is a fantastic personal achievement and an important milestone in his cadet career, made possible through the opportunities available in the RAF Air Cadets.

Congratulations, Cadet FS Gapp!

Commandant Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School Royal Air Force Air Cadets

11/10/2026

✈️ ENDING NATIONAL CADETS WEEK ON A HIGH! 🏅

What better way to round off than by celebrating another fantastic achievement at 644 VGS?

Congratulations to Cadet FS Freya Andrew, who has been awarded her Gold Flying Badge upon the completion of her Advanced Glider Training! 🥇

Achieving a Gold Flying Badge is a significant milestone, recognising the commitment, dedication and flying skills developed during her time at 644 VGS.

Freya’s achievement is a brilliant example of the opportunities available through the Air Cadets, where young people can challenge themselves, develop new skills and take their aviation journey to new heights.

As we bring National Cadets Week to a close, achievements like this remind us exactly what the Air Cadet experience is all about. Congratulations, Freya! 👏

2 Flying Training School Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets

09/10/2026

✈️ SKILLS FOR LIFE

The skills you gain as an Air Cadet can take you further than you might ever imagine.

One of our VGS instructors, and previous Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Chris Moore is a great example. Having started flying as a cadet, Chris has continued his passion into a career as a First Officer with British Airways.

From aviation and leadership to teamwork, communication, confidence and responsibility, the Air Cadets provide experiences that can stay with you long after your cadet days are over.

Skills for life. Experiences for life.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School

08/10/2026

✈️ Why do we volunteer?

For our VGS instructors, one of the most rewarding parts is seeing the smile on a cadet’s face as they climb out of the aircraft after their first solo sortie.

That moment represents much more than a flight. It’s the result of learning new skills, building confidence, overcoming nerves and taking on responsibility — with the support of instructors and volunteers along the way.

Seeing a cadet achieve something they may once have thought was beyond them is a pretty special feeling.

That’s why we volunteer.


Royal Air Force Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School Commandant Air Cadets

07/10/2026

For National Cadets Week, today we’re celebrating the volunteers who make flight possible. ✈️

From instructors and ground crew to flight staff cadets and those supporting behind the scenes, our volunteers give their time to create opportunities, build confidence and help cadets achieve things they never thought were possible.

And there’s no better reward than seeing the smile of a cadet climbing out of an aircraft after their first solo flight. 🛩️


Royal Air Force Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School Commandant Air Cadets

03/10/2026

Congratulations to FS Ben Hunter, who this week was awarded his B1 Instructor Category!

Ben concluded his B1 course with a standardisation trip which also happened to mark his 1,000th launch in the Viking – luckily, it was a successful sortie!

The B1 qualification is a significant step in an instructor’s development, allowing Ben to send students on post-first solo sorties and opening the door to further progression towards becoming a Duty Supervisor.

Reaching 1,000 launches at the same time as achieving his B1 makes for two significant milestones and reflects the significant time and effort Ben commits to 644 VGS.

Congratulations, Ben!



Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School

02/10/2026

Congratulations to our Senior Flight Staff Cadet - CWO Alex Hayball!

🌟 Promotion at 1359 Beeston Squadron 🌟

It is with great pleasure and pride that we share our very own FS Hayball has passed his board and is now officially Cadet Warrant Officer Hayball!!

Cadet Warrant Officer is the highest rank that a cadet can aspire to achieve and only a small percentage of those that go through the activity get the privilege of adorning. This shows how much hard work CWO Hayball has put in during his time in the organisation, whether that’s in Flying, teaching, leading and inspiring, something I have no doubt he will continue to do in his new role also!!

Congratulations CWO Hayball! We are all immensely proud of you and this achievement!


Comdt AC Royal Air Force Air Cadets S&E Mids Wing RAF Air Cadets

02/10/2026

A milestone at 644 VGS recently, with Flt Lt Chris Hayball completing his 2,000th launch. A significant achievement!

Chris’s journey is also a reminder that not all instructors started their journey as a cadet. He was already in his 40s when he first flew a Viking with 644 VGS, and has since gone on to reach 2,000 launches.

While flying milestones are always worth marking, there are also plenty of other achievements that help to keep the Squadron running.

Congratulations to Sqn Ldr Beal, who has recently gained his Winch Operator qualification. He rejoined the VGS and 2 FTS last year, having previously served as an FSC with 643 VGS.

Congratulations also to Plt Off Charlie Haddock and Sgt Noah Dring, who have both completed the Combined Initial Course at RAF Cranwell.

🏆🏆 Well done to all four for their achievements! 🏆🏆



Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School

01/10/2026

Congratulations to 644 VGS’s newest Qualified B2 Gliding Instructor, Flt Lt Nathan Cotter.

Flt Lt Cotter joined 644 VGS as a Service Instructor in 2023 whilst holding for phase two flying training in the Royal Air Force.

The award of his B2 instructional category enables him to teach our Gliding Scholarship students.



2 Flying Training School aircadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets

10/09/2026

✈️ 1,000 Launches

Another of our instructors hit the 1,000 launch milestone last weekend!

Congratulations to Service Instructor Flt Lt Ryan White, who completed his 1,000th launch on Sunday. Here is to many more!

(Also, thanks to Flt Lt Roger Ellison 632 Volunteer Gliding Squadron for the fantastic photos!)

Royal Air Force Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School Commandant Air Cadets