As noted in the Second Account of The Exodus, (pp. 349-5020) what every Swarm received from the Great Draft would be a crucial factor in their individual development for the centuries to come.

[…] despite most Swarms eventually settling with Solar Sails as their favourite mean of propulsion, the Second Swarm achieved such proficiency in their manufacturing and operation to be considered as the archetype of the Sailing Communities.

[…] handling wingspans as wide as 400 m. secured to their bodies was no easy task, and required years of training and practice.
Spacecrafts could rely on computers and automated systems to set their sails at the optimal angle in respect to the solar winds direction; Herons [N.d.A this is how Winged Prospectors are commonly referred to] had to rely entirely on their senses, skills and instinct.

Before they were considered fit for their first flight, aspiring Herons had to go through a lengthy and dangerous training: too steep an angle towards the main direction of the gamma rays could make their suits unable to handle the amount of space radiations, cause permanent damage or even death; inaccurate maneuvers could compromise the structure of their delicate and precious wings, while failing to achieve optimal speed, or cause them to be caught in the wrong tide, which would mean becoming separated from the Swarm, and being marooned in the depths of space.

[…] training in the use of Wings started at the age of four, the basics usually given by a parent or family member.
In order to get accustomed to the tough conditions in space, young trainees started their career even earlier than that, often secured to their parents’ suits by straps or shielded cradles.

At the age of eighteen aspirants would craft their own wings, using parts and components taken from the family heirlooms.
The precious Solar Thread was always treasured as their most valuable possession, and carefully stored back into the family’s vaults once a Heron’s career eventually came to its end.

[…]A Herons’ First Flight always occurred together with other members of the same class, with a solemn ceremony.
They would take off one by one, overseen by their instructors, then gather together in their first formation and perform a ritual flight around each vessel of the Swarm.

Only after their First Flight they were allowed to take part in the routine explorations that the Second Swarm relied upon for its sustenance.

by Paolo Puggioni