Q) What age can you join at?
A) You can start between the ages of 12 (in year 8 or above) and 17, right up to the day before your 18th birthday.
Q) How much does it cost?
A) It costs £18 per month, paid by Direct Debit. The first two nights are free of charge to give you a taste of the squadron at no cost!
Q) How do I register my interest and join?
A) You can visit the squadron on any parade night (that’s what we call our Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions) – the squadron is open from 19:00. Alternatively you can email our team on 1338@rafac.mod.gov.uk, give us a call on 0191 447 7386 of reach out to us on social media. Further information can be found on the”Join” and “Contact Us” sections at the top of this page!
Q) How old do you have to be to start flying, gliding etc?
A) You can start going flying and gliding once you are enrolled, which is about one month after you first join and are 13 years 3 months old.
Q) What sports do you play?
A) Football, Rugby, Netball, Table Tennis, Swimming, Hockey, Cross Country, Athletics and more!
Q) What can you gain out of going to cadets?
A) Experience, qualifications, knowledge, making new friends, leadership skills and teamwork skills.
Q) How long do you have to be in cadets before you can get your uniform?
A) You have to have been in cadets for around eight weeks and be formally enrolled.
Q) Does the uniform cost anything?
A) No, the uniform does not cost anything, but you do have to supply your own shoes.
Q) Do you have to be fit to join the air cadets?
A) No, anyone can join and you can get fitter by attending the sports and adventurous activities that we do!
Q) What is the ATC all about?
A) The Air Training Corps is a youth organisation supported by the RAF. It is not a recruiting organisation, but if you are planning on joining any of the Armed Forces, it will provide you with loads of useful skills & experiences.
Q) What do you do on squadron nights?
A) We have lectures on a variety of topics for our classification exams, and participate in a varied training program, including sports, first aid, archery, flight simulation, STEM, 3D printing, fieldcraft training, BTEC Diploma & Duke of Edinburgh Award preparation, shooting, projects and much more!
Q) What do you do in projects?
A) “Projects” is where you can choose from a range of available activities such as Aeromodelling, First Aid, Marksmanship, Radio Communications, Aircraft Recognition, community support and more.
Q) Do you have any weekends away?
A) Yes, we have many opportunities throughout the year as a squadron or part of the wider organisation. We also have Day Walks throughout the year, as well as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions and annual camps.
Q) What do you do on a camp?
A) On a camp, you are based at an active RAF station, where you do a range of activites including sport, flying, gliding, shooting, section visits and initiative excercises.
Q) How old do you have to be to do a flying scholarship?
A) You have to be 16 years old.
Q) Where do we go flying?
A) Our main flying location is RAF Leeming, though there are chances to fly at RAF Stations around the UK and overseas as part of annual camps.
Q) When you go flying and gliding, which aircraft do you use?
A) You fly the Grob Tutor and glide in Grob Viking.
Q) Can you go to other countries with the cadets?
A) Yes, you can take either go on summer camps to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus or Rheindalen, Germany, as well as having the option of taking part in the International Air Cadet Exchange once a year, however the opportunities are sought after and will involve a selection process.