611 (Honington) Volunteer Gliding Squadron has successfully returned to flying cadets at RAF Honington, marking an important milestone in the squadron’s return to operations.
Flying recommenced on 1 August 2026, when 611 VGS returned to the air following approval from Air Officer Commanding 22 Group. This paved the way for cadet gliding to resume, with the squadron welcoming cadets back to RAF Honington for a busy week of flying.
The return to flying has been a significant achievement for the squadron, with many of its Qualified Gliding Instructors successfully re-certified. The squadron has also begun the process of re-certifying its Graded Pilots, helping to rebuild the breadth of experience and capability needed to support cadet flying.
The first continuous course since the return to flying ran from 8 to 15 August, providing Advanced Glider Training (AGT), alongside continued Gliding Scholarship training. During the week, Station Commander RAF Honington, Wg Cdr Hinde visited the VGS and was flown by Cadet Warrant Officer Russellcook.
A particular highlight came on Monday 10 August, when Sgt Amy Curtis was presented with her AGT Gold Wings by Chief Flying Instructor, Flight Lieutenant Dan Easton. The award recognised her successful completion of the required training and marked one of the first major achievements of the squadron’s return to cadet flying.
The squadron also made further progress towards its training objectives during the week, with a Silver Wings award and an additional Gold Wings on conclusion of the course. The squadron also awarded one Grade One qualification. This is a key step for the squadron, with Grade One pilots able to fly cadets on their initial Gliding Induction Flights.
Reflecting on the successful return of gliding at RAF Honington, Group Captain Baz Dale, Commandant 2 Flying Training School, said:
“I am delighted that gliding with 611 VGS has returned to RAF Honington, and that the return to flying has been a smooth process. My sincere thanks to Central Gliding School and OC Operations Wing (2 FTS), as well as OC 611 VGS, for keeping a good portion of his team current and competent at other 2 FTS units during the pause in flying. I am also incredibly grateful to Wing Commander Mark Hinde (Head of Establishment) and his team at RAF Honington, for their continuous and sterling support of gliding operations. We are looking forward to safely launching skywards many more of our air cadets in the coming months.”
Group Captain Baz Dale
Commandant No 2 Flying Training School
The successful first week represents an important step forward for 611 VGS and the wider Royal Air Force Air Cadets gliding community. The return of regular flying provides cadets with the opportunity to develop their aviation skills, gain valuable experience and, for some, take their first steps towards flying solo.
With instructor and pilot re-certification continuing alongside a programme of cadet training, 611 VGS is now looking forward to building on the success of its first week back in the air and safely launching many more cadets skywards in the months ahead.