I believe someone unofficially mentioned to me recently that Air Cadet gliding has been formally redefined as being a military task.
Is this actually the case?
If so, although I believe I can make a guess at some of the practical/strategic significance of it, I’d be very interested to hear some informed feedback on the forum about what it means in an applied sense.
I may have missed some official statements about itbut I don’t think so. Equally, I can’t find any details online, although I haven’t had the chance to search in any depth yet.
So: is it anything significant, or perhaps (literally, if I misunderstood) nothing at all?
It is being formed into its own Flying Training School out from 3FTS with a dedicated Gp Capt DDH if that’s what you’re thinking had its extension beyond 2015 too that was a good few months back though and the review of gliding to recommending changes to the course content
When I met the Commandant at regional field day she briefly mentioned this and said it was all to do with giving the ACO more control. Though she didn’t go into any real detail of what that meant.
Everything in the RAF needs a duty holder apparently - it’s to do with accountability and stability, and gliding needs one in the same way AEF needs one, just like there is a Typhoon DH.
What it means in real terms is anyone’s guess, but the post has been interviewed for according to the boss.
Gliding has had a duty holder since dropping into 1EFTS a few years back and is currently held by OC 3FTS whenthe new 2FTS forms it will move to that.
The DDH is the lowest level at which “risk” can be held, usually at the Group Captain level. Above this is the ODH OC 22 Group then the SDH CAS its to give a flatter structure to the accountability of flight safety risk. There are DDH for all air platforms
Duty Holders came as a result of the Haddon-Cave enquiry following the Nimrod crash in Afghanistan. As tingger says, it gives a flatter structure to things, but it also and more importantly focuses risk at appropriate posts.
Well it seems according to Social Media that RC(N) has become the first DH. RC(SW) has made reference to it on his twitter feed and I found the following text on a Sqns Facebook page.
[quote]Sirs, all,
The Chief of the Air Staff has endorsed the establishment of No 2 Flying Training School (FTS) under my command, which will be responsible for the delivery of all cadet gliding through the Central Gliding School and Volunteer Glider Sqns. Gp Capt John Middleton, current Reg Comdt North, has been appointed as the first Glider Duty Delivery Holder and OC No 2 FTS. Gp Capt Middleton will, I am sure, ensure that cadet gliding gets an appropriate focus and full support as we shape this new FTS and the work of all the volunteers who deliver such a vital component of the air cadet experience. Since aviation sits at the heart of our 2020 Strategy, I feel that cadet gliding has come home - back to the heart of the Air Cadet Organisation, where it belongs. OC No 2 FTS will also provide a focus for cadet Air Experience Flying activity and will take a great interest in helping cadets get airborne as often as possible.
[/quote]
[quote=“tingger” post=13734]The post has been filled
Gliding has had a duty holder since dropping into 1EFTS a few years back and is currently held by OC 3FTS whenthe new 2FTS forms it will move to that.
The DDH is the lowest level at which “risk” can be held, usually at the Group Captain level. Above this is the ODH OC 22 Group then the SDH CAS its to give a flatter structure to the accountability of flight safety risk. There are DDH for all air platforms[/quote]
The move makes perfect sense. The ACO VGS operation is very large in both numerically and geographically, so is better served by a dedicated post, as opposed to a Gp Capt already looking after two high profile training fleets in the Tutor and King Air.
And also nearly back to the way it was when Gp Capt Cross was Commandant Gliding with his Wg Cdr and staff at HQAC 10 years ago. All going that way along with the syllabus too
