Flying

The RAF has light aircraft clubs all over the UK and you can become a member of one close to you if you’re aged 16 or over. We‘ll even give you specially reduced training rates.

Visit our Events Finderto find your local flying club.

Microlight flying

Is it the nearest experience to flying like a bird? Try microlight flying for yourself and you’ll discover it’s not only exciting and liberating, but surprisingly easy to learn.

The RAF Microlight Flying Association teaches people from all three Services to fly microlights on adventure training courses. It also offers ten-hour scholarships to Air Cadets on the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, and some clubs even have course spaces available for civilians.

Visit our Events Finder to see if you can take part.

Gliding

Soaring silently through the skies and catching thermals is a fantastic feeling. You could learn to glide at one of the RAF volunteer gliding schools based all over the UK.

Visit our Events Finder to locate a gliding school near you.

The RAF Gliding and Soaring Association (RAFGSA) offers courses for university students at Bristol, Leeds or Nottingham universities. Air Cadets can go gliding with the RAFGSA and train to go solo, or have a taster by enjoying a flight at one of the association’s ten regional gliding clubs.

Find out more about the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association.

The Royal Aero Club Trust offers grants and bursaries to computer flight simulation enthusiasts who want to gain practical experience of air sports like gliding, parachuting, helicopters and more. You need to be aged 16–21, a British citizen and a permanent UK resident.

Find out more at Royal Aero Club Trust.