HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc35-6W
Sir A. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will give a list of the places where the members of the Air Training Corps in Kent can get flying and gliding practice.

Mr. Ward

Cadets from the Kent Wing of the Air Training Corps who are selected for flying scholarships fly with clubs at Rochester and Croydon. Passenger flights for cadets are arranged from the R.A.F. Stations at Biggin Hill and Manston and from Rochester Airport. Gliding takes place at R.A.F. Station Hawkinge and R.A.F. Station Kenley. The formation of a second R.A.F. Gliding Centre in another part of the country will enable Hawkinge in the future to spend more of its time on cadets of the south-east.

Sir A. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for Air what system exists whereby all the appropriate members of the Air Training Corps in Kent can get flying and gliding experience at regular intervals.

Mr. Ward

Under the scheme for flying scholarships, selected cadets may be taught to fly at a local club. In addition, all first class cadets are getting an average of rather more than 30 minutes passenger flying a year, which is done from local airfields and when they are at camp. Our policy in regard to gliding has been to train as many cadets as possible up to the "B" Gliding Certificate Standard rather than to provide further gliding for a smaller number.

Sir A. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for Air what form of later or postgraduate training is envisaged to enable members of the Air Training Corps to become pilots or aircraftsmen after they have left the Air Training Corps itself.

Mr. Ward

All further training needed to enable former A.T.C. cadets to qualify for a branch or trade in the Royal Air Force is given in the Service.