Flying & Gliding – Through the ages From humble beginnings to world-class training, flying and gliding have always been at the heart of the RAF Air Cadets. ✈️ Gliding – Then ATC gliding began in the 1940s, often using surplus or civilian aircraft. Early gliders such as the Slingsby Kirby Cadet or Grunau Baby were built from wood and canvas, with open or semi-open cockpits that truly exposed cadets to the elements. Launches were simple and physical — winch launches, rubber bungee, or vehicle tows