This is what really puts the "air" in "Air Cadets". Cadets can experience both gliding and powered flying as part of a progressive syllabus, starting with ground school and simulator training. After that, they put their skills into use in the air. With progression, they may be offered a scholarship which generally culminates in a solo flight.

The Grob 115E 'Tutor' - the aircraft that was used for RAF flying training before the introduction of the Prefect - is used for cadet flying, based at one of 12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) located around the country; at Hawarden, we fly from 8AEF at RAF Cosford or 10AEF at RAF Woodvale. Cadets fly with volunteer pilots - current RAF or reserve pilots or civilian commercial pilots - all of whom give up their time to fly with cadets.

Gliding - usually winch-launched - is flown in the Grob 103A ‘Viking’ at one of the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons; for us 632 VGS at RAF Tern Hill. Cadets spend the day at the airfield, gaining practical experience of air operations by helping to prepare the aircraft for flight and assisting with various aspects of the launch and recovery procedures.