Belgian Air Cadets at Weelde,   25 August 2010

Every year the Belgian Air Cadets are organizing summer camps for their new future fighter pilots. To witness the glider flying at Weelde in Belgium, my good friend Mark and I decided to go there on a nice summer day.

Mark picked me up around nine o'clock in the morning, and only an hour later we arrived at the hangar of the Belgian Air Cadets at Weelde. The gate was open so we decided to ask whether it was possible to take some shots of the gliders. This we absolutely no problem, and a few minutes later we were guided to the gliding strip.

They started flying around seven o'clock in the morning, so when we arrived at the gliding strip a total of six gliders were present. The friendly crew of the Belgian Air Cadets told us it was no problem to take pictures of the glider activity as long as we stayed clear of the gliding strip. We were able to take some very nice shots of the gliders from various locations and in different positions.

After 90 minutes of non stop flying activity we decided to go back to the hangar to take some shots over there. Around twelve o'clock we left Weelde again and drove to Gilze-Rijen AB to see some helicopter activity. A very big thanks goes out to the very friendly crew of the Belgian Air Cadets and of course to my good friend Mark.                           (Click here for a log of this visit)

Belgian Air Cadets

The Belgian Air Cadets is a non-profit organization almost entirely supported by the Belgian Air Component. The aim of the movement is to engage young people - within an atmosphere of team-spirit and responsibility - in aviation and eventually in a career in the Belgian Air Component. Currently there are about 300 active flight cadets and so-called 'aspirants'.

Each year 75 selected youngsters between the ages of 15  and 16 are given the opportunity to join the organization and to become a glider pilot. Training and flights are free of charge! Cadets only pay for their meals, a small fee for their uniform and an annual contribution of only 95 Euros. The training is given by both military and civilian instructors. In most cases ground and flight instructors are closely related to aviation in their everyday life and they find the excellent place here to pass their knowledge and experience to a new generation.

The first year:

If you passed both the sports and medical tests, and you succeeded in the math exam and the dictation, then you may call yourself a candidate flight cadet and commence training. The organization offers its members a complete and integrated flight training program to become a glider pilot. Obviously theoretical knowledge is essential. The principles of aerodynamics, meteorology, instruments, rules of the air, airframe structure and aircraft handling should be very clear before you even touch a flight stick. The theoretical course is given during the 'Easter Camp' at Koksijde AB. In a two-week time frame pilots, meteorologists and instructors will teach you the basic concepts of flight. At the end of the period you are tested by means of a multiple-choice exam which allows you to commence practical flight training.

If the theory of flight is fully understood, you're ready to step into the cockpit. The first time you will do this is at 'Summer Camp' during August and/or July. During three weeks you and your team will be prepared for your first solo-flight. This is a unique experience in every pilot's life. An important step, because it marks the point from which you can call yourself a flight cadet. This is confirmed at the official wing ceremony in September or October when you receive your wings from the Belgian minister of defense.

The second year:

During the second year you will participate in a one-week flight camp during the Easter holidays and you can enroll yourself for the weekends in May, June and September. Just like the previous year you will have enjoyed a Summer Camp of two weeks! The goal of the second year is performance: you will learn to fly newer and more advanced glider aircrafts. In addition you will be encouraged to obtain a number of FAI-diplomas.

The third year:

From the third year forth you can continue to participate in flight weekends and summer camps. However, the best (25) cadets are selected to represent Belgium for two weeks in the framework of the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE). Nearly the entire cost of this trip is carried by the organization and the Lions Club.

The career of a flight cadet ends when reaching the age of 19. Some cadets who are remarked for their outstanding flying skills are allowed to stay until the age of 21, but most of the time such persons will already have embarked on a career in aviation.

Source: Belgian Air Cadets