Assume nothing, verify everything
Selecting cadets for slots may be based on any number of criteria, which may vary from unit to unit.
It is reasonable to assume, that if you are one a nunber of cadets that has not flown before, and that there are enough spaces for you and all the others who have not flown before - then yes you “should” be automatically selected…
However - some units may employ a system of awarding slots based on other criteria - such as attendance or as a reward for a specific achievement.
Every OC I’ve ever discussed this with has said that they always try to get those who have never flown before, up at the first opportunity.
You might also need to be present at the squadron to be able to declare yourself available - “be in it to win it” as it were…
There would be no harm in politely asking your staff, “Please may I be considered for this slot?” You can explain asking upfront, on the basis of being able to let your family know your plans…
1 Like
I’m sure if you have attended enough events, been polite to staff, good attendance, payed subs, been there long enough etc then you should be priority. It’s still worth asking staff though.
I think that for most sqns, the first set of circumstances will always take precedence.
Out of cadets who haven’t flown before, if cadet A has attended for 85% of parade evenings & taken part in several external activities (to benefit the sqn or improve their personal “qualifications” within RAFAC), versus cadet B ,who has 50% attendance (with quite a few not “authorised”) & was a no show at some external events, then Cadet A will be on the flying list. There may be some additional nuances to factor in, but that’s it in a nutshell.
To allow those who cannot be at the sqn, especially during "important’ school periods, we make flying an event on Cadet Portal so that all cadets can bid.
We will try to allocate a couple of reserves; if they are not called forward to fly, then they would be top of the list for the next flying / gliding allocation.
1 Like
Pretty much how it runs at my sqn, with cadets who haven’t gone flying being selected on the basis of length of time in cadets, qualifications and overall dedication. After that it’s basically first come first serve. Haven’t really had to do this as much in recent times as not many flying spots available in wing and the ones people have been selected for have been cancelled by factors outside of Sqn control.