Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many places on Volunteer Gliding Squadron courses will be available in 2018; and if he will make a statement.

Volunteer Gliding Squadron courses are allocated on a rolling basis and vary according to requirements between longer Silver Wings Courses and shorter Blue/Bronze Wings courses. Consequently, the total number of course places available is not programmed in advance. However, it is envisaged to be greatly expanded in 2018, compared to 2017.

In addition, we are expanding other aspects of the Cadet Aviation Offer, including to provide additional civilian gliding experience at up to 14 civil gliding sites, powered flying opportunities at RAF Flying Club Association clubs, enhanced synthetic training at the Regional Aerospace Ground Schools and more musters of cadets to fly as passengers in military helicopters and larger military aircraft.