622VGS

08/06/2026

Congratulations to WO Etherton who recently passed his B2 QGI course, which allows him to teach all of the Gliding Scholarship course! WO Etherton has already been putting his new instructional skills to good use on our recent Whitsun course ✈️

17/05/2026

Congratulations to Sgt Young who qualified last week as a B2 Qualified Gliding Instructor! This allows her to teach all of the Gliding Scholarship syllabus ✈️

18/04/2026

Congratulations to CGI Sheridan, who’s just qualified as a B2, and is the newest member of our 622 instructor cadre! As a B2, CGI Sheridan can now teach all of the Gliding Scholarship syllabus ✈️

15/04/2026

It’s been a busy few weeks at 622!

The first of our three Gliding Scholarship courses was a resounding success, with all four of the students soloing and earning their silver wings, after battling the typically uncooperative Easter weather. Congratulations to Sgt Anderson (129 (Tunbridge Wells) Sqn), Cpl Yendole (261 (Guildford) Sqn), FS Hall (354 (Dover) Sqn), and FS Bright (2374 (Ditton) Sqn)!

As well as the silver wings students, we also flew 13 GIF cadets, 16 PAX flights, completed a pre-B2 work-up for WO Etherton, a site-check for Sqn Ldr Vincent-Parker and Sgt Otieno, and a Grade 2 award for FSC Rutlidge.

There was also a plethora of ground training, including adding a new LPS and three new retrieve drivers to our cadre, and renewing five FSCCs. FSCs Gairdner and Rutlidge were also signed off as Winch Operators, FSC Bradley was made a Winch Trainer, and Sgt Rutlidge became the unit’s Chief Winch Instructor as well as a winch examiner!

And to top it all off, CGI Seaman was today awarded her Grade 2 at CGS!

26/03/2026

21/03/2026

Congratulations to Sgt Peica from 1216 (Eastleigh) Squadron who soloed today, and earned his silver wings!

18/02/2026

Congratulations to FSC Bishop on completing his five solos to finish his Advanced Glider Training and earn his gold wings! Congratulations also to FS Shepherd (1216 (Eastleigh) Squadron), who was presented with his silver wings this weekend!

11/01/2026

Congratulations to FS Shepherd (1216 (Eastleigh) Squadron) who successfully soloed and completed his Gliding Scholarship this weekend, earning his silver wings!

05/12/2025

622 VGS has now received its official unit badge at a small presentation in London, at the College of Arms.

Garter Principle, King of Arms made the presentation to Squadron Leader Ryan Rutlidge, OC 622 VGS. Sqn Ldr Rutlidge said: “We are truly honoured to have been awarded a badge officially approved by the Inspector of RAF Badges, a distinction that recognises our Squadron’s enduring commitment and service.

Commissioned to mark the Squadron’s 80th anniversary, this badge is particularly meaningful, representing both a significant milestone and our enduring legacy.

The Squadron worked closely with the RAFAC Heraldic team to ensure that the key elements we wished to feature on the badge were not just unique, but adhered to established heraldic rules.”

Photo: 622 VGS Officer Commanding and Execs are formally presented with the Squadron badge by David Vines White, Garter King of Arms and Inspector of RAF Badges. Photo taken within His Majesty’s Court of Chivalry at the College of Arms, London.

Blazon: On a Roundel VERT a Fess wavy BLEU CELESTE surmounted by a Horse salient ARGENT
Motto: PROPTER PRǼMIUM PATIENTA (Just reward comes from hard work)

Rationale: The green roundel represents the green fields of Wiltshire where the Squadron is located with a blue fess for the River Avon. The horse alludes to the many white horses found carved into the underlying chalk of Wiltshire and it is shown in a leaping position to suggest action, endeavour, and the resolution of purpose from all on the Squadron.

Date of Grant: June 2025

30/11/2025

Congratulations to Sgt D***s for completing his Grade 1 Pilot test this weekend and earning his new wings! Our newest G1 got straight into flying GIF cadets on Sunday ✈️