ROYAL AIR FORCE HALTON AIRFIELD

Military Flying has taken place at Halton since 1913.  This is the flying we do today:

613 Volunteer Gliding Squadron

613 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) is one of 27 VGS across the country. It is part of the Air Cadet Organisation which has 53,000 young members. The Squadron operates the Grob 109B Vigilant T.Mk.1 motor-gliders and is used for the following flying training:

• Gliding Induction Courses (600 per year).
• Gliding Scholarships (100 per year).
• Advanced Glider Training.
• Staff Training

http://www.613vgs.org.uk/
http://www.aircadets.org/
http://www.universityairsquadrons.com

Joint Services Gliding Centre/RAF Gliding and Soaring Association

The Joint Services Gliding Centre’s purpose is to help develop military skills in Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel by providing Adventurous Training in the military environment. Each year we train 300 students. This includes 4500 aero tow launches and 300 hours of Motor Glider Training. To meet this requirement there are four courses:

• 22 Basic Gliding Courses - (5 Days)
• 1 Intermediate Gliding Course - (5 Days)
• 1 Advanced Gliding Course - (5 Days)
• 1 Gliding Instructors Course - (10 Days)

http://www.rafgsa.org/rafgsa/mainpages/home/home.php

RAF Halton Aeroplane Club

The Royal Air Force Halton Aeroplane Club’s purpose is “To afford Service men and women, regardless of rank and trade, the opportunity of learning to fly at the lowest practical cost”. It operates numerous aircraft types and is operated in accordance with all Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and regulations with military regulations incorporated.

http://www.haltonaeroclub.org.uk/

RAF Halton Microlight Club

The purpose of the Royal Air Force Microlight Club is to provide affordable flying and flying training to Service personnel and Ministry Of Defence employees. It encourages self reliance and personal development amongst military personnel. The Club follows the National Private Pilots Licence (Microlight) NPPL(M) Training Syllabus and has CAA qualified instructors.

http://www.rafmfa.mod.uk/

RAF Halton Hot Air Balloon Club

The Royal Air Force Halton Hot Air Balloon Club operates the sole RAF Balloon. Resplendent in RAF colours the club gives Servicemen and women, regardless of rank or trade, affiliated civilians and Air Cadets, the opportunity of experiencing the oldest form of flight and learning to fly at the lowest practical cost. The Club operates a Lindstrand LBL-105A Hot Air Balloon that can carry 4 persons. For 2009 the Club will also be operating a single seat ‘Cloud-Hopper’ balloon for the ‘extreme’ ballooning experience.

Skills are developed through the crew qualification scheme of the British Balloon and Airship Club and all members are instructed to the National Private Pilots Licence (B) Airships and Hot Air Balloon syllabus. The Club can be seen at many Air Shows within the UK including Royal Internation Air Tattoo and often abroad including recently in Austria. Future events include competitive flying against the Army Air Corps and Navy Balloons, with potential to fly in the largest Balloon meets in the USA.