361(Gateshead) Squadron
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361(Gateshead) squadron is an Air Training Corps Squadron based at the TA centre in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK.
Contents |
[edit] How to Join
- You must be at least 13 years old
- You can bring a friend
- Bring your Parents/Guardians
[edit] Contact Information
- Fax: 0191 490 0484
- General Information: info@361-atc.com
- Webmaster: webmaster@361-atc.com
- Website: www.361-atc.com
[edit] Squadron Activities
All 361 Squadron members get the chance to fly in a Grob Tutor Training Aircraft at 11 air experience flight(AEF) located at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. The Grob Tutor is a Two seat, fully aerobatic training aircraft with dual controls which lets cadets experience flying the aircraft after takeoff under the supervision of a fully qualified pilot.
The Air Cadet Organisation operates the largest gliding organization in the world with a fleet of around 53 Grob Vigilant T Mk1 self-launching motor gliders and approximately 100 Grob Viking TX1 winch-launched gliders.
Cadets from 361 Squadron go gliding at 645 VGS (Voluntary Gliding Squadron) which is located at RAF Topcliffe, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire. 645 VGS is equipped with the twin seat Vigilant self-launching glider, which can take off using its engine just like any other powered aircraft, and then glide by turning the throttle to idle, or switching off the motor.
Cadets who are under 16 years old can complete a progressive series of Gliding Induction Courses (GIC) which consists of a number of flights with an instructor to learn about the basic theory and practice of flying the Vigilant in the air.
Those cadets who are 16 or over, can apply for a Gliding Scholarship, which includes full training on taking off, flying a circuit of the airfield and landing the aircraft. Successful completion of this course culminates in a solo flight and the award of your silver glider pilot wings. If you do not fly solo, you will still qualify for blue glider pilot wings.
- Other Flying Oppurtunities
There are many other opportunities for ATC Cadets to fly in a variety of aircraft.
These range from passenger flights in a wide range of RAF aircraft whilst at annual camp, through to Flying Scholarships, Microlight Courses and the Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Scheme.
You may also be selected for Paragliding and Parachute courses.
Cadets have the oppurtunity to do the Duke of Edinburgh award.
- Rifle shooting and Marksman Awards
At the Gateshead TA centre, 361 squadron have their own shooting range, which gives cadets the oppurtunity to practise there Rifle skills and accuracy. There are many Rifles you can use: Order (proggresively)
- .22mm calibre Lee Enfield No.8 Rifle
- .22mm calibre Anshutz target Rifle
- 5.56mm calibre L98-A1 Rifle
Cadets can qualify for a series of four marksmanship awards and badges, ranging from Squadron Marksman, through Wing and Regional Marksman to the highest level of Corps Marksman. Cadets from 361 have also successfully participated in numerous shooting compititions.
- Adventure Training
361 Squadron cadets have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of adventure training activities. These range from residential adventure training courses based at the Air Training Corps own centres at Windermere in the Lake District and Llanbedr in North Wales, through to Climbing and Canoeing.
The squadron has also participated in the Durham/Northumberland Wing Adventure Training Challenge, which is held every year, over a weekend, and which tests a variety of Adventure Training skills in a competitive environment.
[edit] Other Activities
Most of the cadets enjoy drill because it promotes a sense of team working and results in great satisfaction and personal pride.
You will learn how to carry out both static and marching drill movements, and may even get the opportunity to command the squadron themselves.
361 Squadron also has its own continuity drill squad which performs a complex drill sequence without any words of command being issued. The continuity squad has performed in public at the Tyneside Festival of Remembrance where they received many awards.
Drill is also a competitive activity and every year they participate in the Durham/Northumberland Wing drill competition.
The squadron has two "compulsory" activities, the Gateshead Remembrance Sunday parade held in November each year and the annual Battle of Britain parade in Durham.
The ATC has its own two-way radio network operating on reserved frequencies, using a combination of fixed base stations and hand-held transceivers.
All cadets receive training in the operation of these radios which has to be carried out using military procedures and call-signs, and most members of 361 Squadron have qualified for their Provisional Radio Operators Certificates.
361 squadron participate in a range of sporting activities. These inclue Athletics, Cross Country, Football, Rugby, Swimming, Table Tennis, Hockey, Volleyball and Netball.
They also regularly have cadets to represent the Durham/Northumberland Wing and the North Region.
[edit] Cadet Ranks
The Cadet Ranks are as follows:
- First Class Cadet
- Leading Cadet
- Senior Cadet
- Staff Cadet
In addition the the Ranks above, the Corps also has Cadet NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officer) ranks which mirror the RAF ranks
These are as follows: (from Junior to Senior)
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Flight Sergeant
- Cadet Warrant Officer
Promotion to NCO rank is based on the commitment the Cadet shows to the squadron and those cadets who demonstrate leadership and dedication will be considered to be promoted in the ranks.
[edit] References
[1] 361(Gateshead) Squadron website
