621 AGS (Astra Ground School) based at MOD Boscombe Down recently launched its inaugural cadet bronze ground based training equipment (GBTE) course, with six cadets achieving their Bronze Wings. This milestone was made possible with the support of the Wing Aviation Officers, who played a crucial role in the selection of high-quality cadets for the program.
The bronze course offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, covering core aviation elements including circuit training and navigation, culminating in practical assessment. The selected cadets from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wing and Dorset and Wiltshire Wing have shown an outstanding effort, fully engaging in each training element and demonstrating an impressive level of commitment throughout the weekend.
Several months of planning, testing and staff training went into preparing for the course, with 621 AGS staff working diligently to ensure a smooth and effective rollout of both the AGS and bronze course to cadets in the Southwest Region. The preparation also included the set-up of advanced training equipment, including fixed-base simulators and the latest flight simulation software, provided by Immtech which offered an immersive and practical learning experience to the cadets.
Also in attendance were Wg Cdr Marland Green, SO1 Gliding from HQ RAFAC and Wg Cdr Chris Fisher, South West Regional Aviation Officer who engaged with cadets and provided standards assurance to the AGS enabling a further three adult volunteers to be authorised as bronze GBTE instructors.
Wg Cdr Fisher remarked that he was pleased that 621 AGS is now fully operational having delivered its first bronze course and delighted to see South West Region cadets receiving their bronze wings.