RAF Grounds Its Vigilant T1 Gliders

Cover Image: 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron

The RAF has ordered the immediate grounding of a fleet of gliders that were used to train thousands of pilots.

Training units were given a day’s notice that all flights in Vigilant T1 motor gliders must halt at 4pm last Sunday.

The aircraft are expected to be scrapped amid reports of safety concerns.

The Vigilants have been flown by the Royal Air Force for almost 30 years and were used to train future military and civilian pilots.

The T1 motor glider - Manufactured by the German company Grob Aircraft, was being gradually replaced but was due to remain in service until October next year.

Cadets at RAF Woodvale in Merseyside and RAF Topcliffe in North Yorkshire were still using the aircraft.

Flight Lieutenant Aaron O’Roarty, 645 Volunteer Gliding Service posted on Facebook: “We always knew the Vigilant was nearing the end of her service but we expected this would not be as soon as it has been.

“There will be many a tear shed following her retirement and it’s an aircraft you had a passion and love for.”

In April 2014 all Air Cadet gliders were grounded following concerns about the airworthiness of the fleet.

Flights resumed in 2016 but 14 of the 26 volunteer glider squadrons were disbanded.