Sunday 28 th November saw 4 cadets travel to 633 VGS at RAF Cosford to take part in their gliding Induction course (GIC). When the cadets set off from Birmingham at 0815 the temperature was -8c and the prospects for flying didn't look good.

These were extra flying slots for 487 Sqn, they were eagerly grabbed by Fg Off Simon Jennings when a Sqn from the Staffordshire Wing had to drop out.

When we arrived at RAF Cosford the VGS staff informed us that it was -11c in the aircraft hanger and needless to say, the aircraft were staying put! All the cadets and staff were briefed for the day, and there then followed a long waiting game. Eventually, two aircraft were pulled out of the hanger, but the engines would not turn over, so another waiting game ensued.

At 1215, the pilots managed to get one of the aircraft started and it was all systems go. Shortly afterwards the other aircraft started and that meant we now had two aircraft carrying out GIC's.

All the 487 Sqn cadets were first time flyers and there were a few nerves on the ground, but once they put their parachutes on, and actually walked out to the aircraft, the time for nerves had passed.

All completed their GIC1 and the cadets were soon swapping stories of their time in the air.

Fg Off Simon Jennings commented “I would like to thank the staff of 633 VGS for their help today, they didn't give up and despite a few hours of waiting, we managed to get all the cadets into the air. It was good to see the smile on the faces of the cadets when they landed!”