Sponsored by the RAF the Air Cadets gives young people hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop their skills to help them succeed in whatever they want to do in life.
Joining the air cadets opens up lots of opportunities to take to the skies. They aim to get cadets airborne as often as possible, they can learn to fly a light aircraft (Grob Tutor) or a glider and can even be a passenger on-board RAF aircraft such as a Chinook helicopter.
Through a range of fun and exciting activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling or mountain biking as well as getting involved in local community projects, cadets can improve self-confidence, develop leadership skills and make friends for life.
Air cadets can also take part in overseas expeditions, learn first aid, as well as have the opportunity to gain recognised vocational qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
In the air cadets, the emphasis is on the following activities:
- flying and gliding
- target shooting
- camps (UK and overseas)
- sports
- music
- STEM
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- BTEC qualifications
Unlimited activities
Sara Silva of 58 (Harrogate) Squadron says: “When I first joined I was a really shy kid with a serious lack of confidence. It didn’t take me long to realise how welcoming and homely cadets can be. The greatest thing about being an air cadet is you have unlimited activities and experiences that you can take part in.”
Gain new experiences
James Dacres of 103 (Doncaster) Squadron says: “I joined the air cadets to learn new skills, make new friends and gain experiences that I couldn’t get in every day life. I’ve been lucky enough to have a go at flying in a Grob Tutor and also gliding as well as taking part in parades and annual camps.”
Increased confidence
Rosie Gregson, of 252 (Bridlington) Squadron, pictured far left, said: “Being an air cadet has increased my confidence so much that I was able to do a two hour radio show across the whole of Yorkshire. Music is a big part of my cadet life and I now play drums with the wing band after completing a drumming course.”