Flying High –
Cpl David Todd’s Story

Corporal David Todd’s epic gliding journey began through the RAF Gliding & Soaring Association’s (RAFGSA) ‘Go Solo’ scholarship, a programme designed to help junior ranks take their first steps into gliding with the Association.

RAF Central Fund funding is key to the provision of these scholarships, helping RAFGSA to widen access to their sport and create extraordinary opportunities that enrich the lives of RAF personnel.

Since 2024, nearly £80,000 in Central Fund charitable grants has supported RAFGSA’s operating costs, annual engagement programmes, and the installation of a Gliding Club Simulator at RAF Cranwell.

Reflecting on his incredible experiences during RAFGSA’s annual expedition to the French Alps and his greatest flying achievements to date, David’s journey demonstrates what’s possible when big dreams are backed by a fantastic support network.

 “Having visited the Eastbourne International Airshow regularly as a child, I developed a keen interest in aviation and had always dreamt of one day joining the RAF.

Around eight years ago, after completing my Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, I applied to be an RAF Aircraft Technician. Today, I work in the Typhoon Maintenance Facility, carrying out in-depth servicing on Typhoons – a dream job to a child who loved fixing things!

Whilst my training led me down a path of maintaining the aircraft that first inspired me, I always had an interest in flying. Up to this point I’d never had the opportunity to pursue it but by chance saw an advert for a gliding taster day at RAF Cranwell. I jumped at the chance to take part and was instantly hooked after my first flight!

Following a trial period at the club, I was offered the ‘Go-Solo’ scholarship – a £700 grant designed to take pilots to their first solo. With the club’s fantastic team of instructors, a fleet of modern gliders, and a strong social element to the sport, gliding quickly became a hobby that I am truly passionate about.

I was ecstatic when I got the opportunity to go on RAFGSA’s annual expedition to Sisteron in the French Alps. It was the most incredible flying experience. The views were stunning and the rush of adrenaline from flying within feet of the mountains was completely exhilarating.

We learnt many important new skills on the trip, such as thermaling techniques to stay airborne, and safe navigation of the difficult terrain whilst making sure we were always in range of a safe landing area.

We also had the British Gliding Association’s top aerobatics pilot on the expedition with us who treated us to some incredible aerial tricks, flying inverted just a few hundred feet off the ground in an aircraft with no engine!

My biggest achievement so far is gaining my Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL) for which I had to take theory exams, flying tests and navigational exercises.

Having this licence will help me achieve my next goal of flying solo in the Alps in 2026. I also hope to become a basic flight instructor, gain my competition licence and compete in the Inter Services gliding competition. 

I urge anyone to get involved with gliding, it’s a sense of freedom like nothing else!

There are so many things to challenge yourself with – competition flying, aerobatics, cross-country flying or just enjoying a peaceful flight with no engine noise.

The RAFGSA is a very welcoming environment where people will go out of their way to help you achieve your goals. If you are interested in gliding and soaring, you can find out more information at: https://www.rafgsa.org/”