615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron

A huge congratulations to Fg Off Stu Raeburn, who passed his A Cat course at Central Gliding School, RAF Syerston, on the 25 November.  Stu is a long serving member of staff having been a part of 615 VGS since moving from 617 VGS, RAF Manston when it closed in 1999.

We now move into the dark winter months at 615 VGS, with short days and poorer weather.  A good summer has been enjoyed by the staff and trainees though with many GS cadets acheiving their Silver Wings by going solo, and a number of field days ensuring that many cadets from local Squadrons and CCF units can complete their gliding induction courses.

The staff have been busy too.  Will Dunk, Alex Lim and Mark Ramsden all achieved their G2 pilot status over the summer, and have been working hard towards acheiving G1 wings.  Eddie Turner regained his G1 on return to the Squadron after some time away whilst at Uni.  Welcome back and well done to all!

Former instructor at 615VGS Flt Lt Rick Redgwell was interviewed by STV after he and his WSO identified a roadside bomb whilst flying over Farah province in Afghanistan during a sortie in their Tornado GR4.  12(B) Sqn, of which Rick is a part, returned last month from their tour in the region, where they were providing air support to the NATO operations. To read the full story please click here.

After a false start due to the weather on the 25th June, 615VGS completed the annual longest day program on the 2nd July.  By the end of the day, 615 had completed 252 launches, completing 80 GIC and one AGT for good measure.  Well done to everyone involved!