NEWS PAGE 2008
Here is the latest news and a news archive for the Squadron
14 June 2008
Congratulations to Cdt Johnstone for flying solo and being awarded his Silver Wings. Well done on the great achievement. Also, Sqn Ldr Hughes, a B Cat on Viking conventional gliders, flew his first solos in the Vigilant.
7 JUNE - 633 VGS 60th Anniversary Day
633 VGS held its families day and also celebrated its 60 birthday on the 7th June 2008. over 50 guests attended throughout the day, with many ex-staff members coming back for the day to recall old memories. Group Captain Dick Allen was the guest of honour and cut the cake to start off proceedings. Many thanks go to Flt Lt Lawton and Fg Off Turner, for organising the day and to Terry Moyse, an ex A2 instructor who brought his motor glider for the day to give flights to instructors, staff cadets and guests. A good day was had by all and we look forward to the 75th Anniversary.
1 JUNE 2008 - Cosford Airshow
633 VGS participated in the air day with both a static display in the static aircraft park, and also by flying six cadets on Gliding Induction courses, as a prelude to the airshow. Pictures will follow in the gallery section shortly. Thanks to the Blue Eagles for allowingus to have a look at the Lynx and to the Black Cats for 'giving' us a large quantity of zaps!
MAY 2008 Whitsun Continuous Course
The 2008 Whitsun course was a disappointment with the seven students each getting only two hours flying training completed due to the poor weather. However, Air Commodore Neil Gammon, Commandant DCAE (Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering) Cosford, visited 633 Volunteer Gliding Squadron during the Gliding Scholarship course.
The Air Cdre spent two hours with 633 VGS and was briefed about the work of a VGS and what takes place during a continuous course. He also met with staff who are involved with the day to day running of the Volunteer Gliding School and give up their time to get cadets airborne.
The course cadets were also introduced to Air Cdre Gammon and spent time talking to him about the RAF and their futures. The Commandant was also given the chance to fly in a Vigilant motor glider with Sqn Ldr John Bullock, Officer Commanding 633 VGS.
Air Commodore Gammon said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to visit the volunteer gliding school and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have been particularly impressed by the cadets who I have spoken to throughout the day.”
Below is a picture of Air Commodore Gammon with the course cadets after his flight.
April 2008
Congratulations to CGI Rob Rose for completing his Line Training with Thomas Cook on the Boeing 757. Rob will now start base training and will be flying passangers to destination across Europe.
16 February 2008
Congratulations to the four students who flew solo over the weekend. All were awarded their Silver Solo Wings for their achievements.
10 February 2008
Congratulations to Kylie Bellingham for being awarded her Private Pilots Licence (Helicopter). Kylie is an ex Flight Staff Cadet and we wish her all the best and safe flying.
9 February 2008
Congratulations to FSC Adam Long on being awarded his Grade Two pilots status. Adam achieved it in the minimum hours after a successful CFS flight last November. However at the time he was some hours short and had to wait until he had got the hours needed for the award. Well done! For more info on pilot grades, please click here.
12 January 2008
FSC Preston has completed his Advanced Glider Training and been awarded his Gold Wings. He will now start working towards becoming a Grade Two pilot. Well done Lee.
6 January 2008
The first solo of the year was flown by Cadet Webb who was awarded his Silver Solo Wings by the CO Sqn Ldr Bullock.
Recent achievements for staff at 633 VGS
It has proved to be a busy few months for 633 VGS staff. Flight Staff Cadet Adam Long has started an engineering apprentiship with Airbus UK working at the Bristol Filton site. Also, ex FSC, Phil Ray has been accepted into the Royal Air Force as an aircraft technician and FSC Richard Perry-Swinnerton has been accepted into the RAF as a fire-fighter. As well as this another recent FSC, Kylie Bellingham has completed her first Cross County Navigation solo sortie for her Private Pilots Licence (Helicopter) or PPL(H). CGI Rob Rose has gained his ATPL and will start his Boeing 757 type rating in February for Thomas Cook. Congratulations to all on their success
January 2008
The operating season starts again after the Christmas and New Year stand down. FSC Adam Long was awarded the FSC of the year for 2007 for his efforts and achieving a job within aviation. Congratulations.
Some more pictures have been added into the gallery. A few new ones appear in the 'Vigilant In The Air Section' and most notably there is now a gallery from the annual 'Shawbury Weekend'. There is also a section for 'Visiting Aircraft'. These are pictures of some of the aircraft that have visited the airfield.
Archive Section