Activities

Flying/Gliding

Cadets have the opportunities to fly in light aircraft, gliders as well as other RAF and civilian aircraft.

There are plenty of opportunities open to cadets when flying, from aerobatics to practising stalls in a glider. Cadets may also get the opportunity to fly on a civil airliner or go on an overseas flight in an RAF Tri-Star, VC10 or Hercules. A few cadets have also had the opportunity to fly in a variety of other aircraft including fast jets and the Red Arrows.

There are also exciting opportunities for cadets to learn how to fly, with scholarships for both powered flight and gliding. In general, every cadet will be given opportunities to fly during their time as an active member of an ATC or CCF squadron.

Shooting / Skill at Arms

Whatever level you are as a cadet, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at military shooting.

Marksmanship goes a long way back in the history of Air Cadets and is one of our most popular activities. Think you can concentrate on distant targets and fire with consistent accuracy? It's not easy. It requires focus, agility and a very steady hand.

We’ll teach you to handle a variety of weapons safely. Progress through the course and you'll experience different types of weapons and could even take part in shooting competitions if you really prove your skills.

Ranges come in different shapes and sizes but all are in controlled conditions with full training on any weapon that you handle - safety is our top priority. To start with you'll be firing at targets that are fairly close - around 25m away. As you advance through weapons and your skill builds, you will fire at targets 100m or more away.

Adventure Training

Adventure Training forms an essential part of the Air Cadet's training syllabus. As well as helping cadets forge new friendships, adventure training enables all cadets to show off their leadership qualities.

There is a wide ranging Adventure Training syllabus in the ACO - depending on the squadron you attend, you could try your hand at watersports, skiing.

Remember, whatever your tastes, nothing is compulsory. If it's more your cup of tea to go flying, or perhaps try your hand at aircraft recognition, perhaps you might want to look elsewhere on the site - otherwise, click on the pictures below and see what you could experience.

Sports

Sport plays a key part in the activities of every squadron. Seven sports are played competitively between squadrons. Cadets who show talent can be selected to represent their Wing, Region or the Corps in competitive matches; these cadets are awarded wing, regional or corps 'Blues'. The main sports played are:
 
Rugby Union, Hockey, Netball, Association Football, Swimming, Athletics Cross-Country Running ,Orienteering

Other sports are also played, sometimes in matches between squadrons, including volleyball, five-a-side football, table tennis, etc. Cadets also use various sports to take part in the physical recreation section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Orienteering in the ATC only came about in 2006 where cadets from the different wings go to the cadet orienteering championships.

Parades / Charity

The Air Cadets, as a military youth organization, sets itself and its members very high standards, including dress and behaviour. Drill is a vital part of encouraging team work. The Air Cadet Organisation encourages teamwork and well disciplined cadets among many things.

Drill (marching) is a vital part of encouraging teamwork. When a group of twenty cadets walk on to a drill square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team following the orders given by one person. Instead of twenty individual feet hitting the ground, there is only one bang this is result of practise and teamwork.

Drill is also used to move cadets from one place to another in a smart orderly fashion. This shows civilians and members of the forces just how well disciplined the cadets of the Air Training Corps are.

Drill & discipline is the responsibility of the AWO or NCOs on a squadron. Once a cadet has gained a few years experience and has attained NCO rank, the cadet will pass on his knowledge and experience to other cadets such as instructing cadets how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad or flight or even taking a major part in ceremonial drill such as a Standard Bearer at Remembrance Day Parades.