Before a U/T Instructor can take the test for Grade 2 Pilot (G2) status, a number of qualifications must already be held. They must be competent to retrieve gliders and cables, have a certificate of competence for winch driving, and hold a RAF F/MT 600 Drivers Permit. Having satisfied these conditions as well as the minimum of 70 launches with at least 20 solo, they are then eligible to be tested for G2 status by either the Officer Commanding or Chief Flying Instructor.

A potential G2 must demonstrate that they can carry out preparations for flight in the Viking, fly within 5 knots of a selected speed and 10 degrees of a heading. They must be able to carry out pre-stalling HASELL checks, recognise and recover from full and incipient stalls, use correct radio procedure, and land within a defined area (+/- 100m).

Upon successful completion of the test over the course of 5 launches G2 status is awarded. Whereas U/T Instructors must have a minimum of 2 check rides including 1 practice launch failure before going solo on a particular day, a G2 only needs 1 check ride with a B Category or above Instructor.

A G2's training is geared around building up the pilot's experience of different runways and different conditions. G2s will also start to fly more out of the circuit as authorised by the Duty Instructor. This also helps to build experience, which is crucial when the step up to Grade 1 pilot is made.

The pilot will after some time as a G2 start back seat conversion training. Previously all the flying will have been done from the front seat so it is important to convert to the back seat in order that the progression to Grade 1 Pilot and then Qualified Gliding Instructor can be made. When a minimum of 150 launches have been completed with at least 30 solos as a G2, the test for Grade 1 (G1) pilot status may be taken.

Proceed to Grade 1 Pilot