Activities

Adventure training

Cadets are regularly given the opportunity to take part in adventure training activities. These can be anything from Mountain Biking, Hill Walking, Climbing, Navigation exercises, Communication exercises, leadership exercises, and much more. All Adventure training activities are closely supervised by qualified staff and instructors.


Flying

Air Experience Flights (AEF's) are the most common type of flying that cadets take part in. It consists of a 30-minute flight over the local area. During this flight they are able to handle the controls, experience aerobatics, and get a greater understanding of powered flight.
There are a number of AEF's based around the country, each operating the Grob 115 E Tutor Aircraft. This aircraft is a two seater, single piston engined, aerobatic capable trainer.

Gliding

Gliding is similar to powered flying, but with no engine!
The ATC uses two different types of aircraft for gliding. These are;

The Grob Vigilant, this glider uses a small engine to get airborne. It is a two seat training glider. Unlike other traditional gliders, the cadet is sat beside the pilot rather than in front or behind.
The Grob Viking, this glider relies on a winch to get airborne. It is a tandem seat glider which means the cadet sits in front or behind the pilot.

The ATC also offers a number of courses which involve gliding;
The GIC, or Gliding Induction Course.
This course involves 3 different half hour flights. In which the cadets learn basic handling of the glider, including the effect of the controls.

The Gliding Scholarship.
This is available to a certain number of lucky cadets over the age of 16, nominated at squadron level. It offers the chance for cadets to go solo in a glider, after about 8 hours of training.

Volunteering

Cadets volunteer for a number of activities either to raise squadron funds or for national charities.

Examples include the RAF Wings Appeal, Poppy Appeal and local hospices.

We also carry out community activities like tree-planting.

This type of work together with cadets' regular attendance , counts towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards which many cadets undertake. Skills

A range of practical skills are taught including aircraft modelling, aircraft recognition, target shooting and archery:

Academic Aspects

Cadets are taught a range of academic subjects covering the history of the RAF and ATC, theory of flight, navigation and propulsion to name a few.

These lead to formal exams which not only count towards Duke of Edinburgh awards but can lead to BTECqualifications.