Cadet Training...

Responsibility for Syllabus training on the squadron will be co-ordinated by the Training Officer.

The ACO Training Syllabus is slightly different between the ATC and CCF(RAF), however, both cover similar aspects. The training is progressive and is designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to more fully take part in the other activities available to you. Training will vary between formal lectures, hands on projects and plenty of outdoors 'actually doing it'.

The technical training is based around providing ground training in preparation and support of your flying and gliding activities. It will help your piloting skills immensely if you know why aeroplanes can stay up in the sky and how the engine or radio works. Many Cadets find that the ground training syllabus is one of the more interesting and useful aspects of their training. Don't forget that most Squadrons can now offer a BTEC in Aviation Studies to Cadets who successfully complete the training syllabus. This nationally recognised qualification (can be used as the science requirement for RAF entry) will be a great addition to the to your CV upon leaving school/college whatever career you wish to pursue. What is more, you will have loads of fun whilst completing it with your friends on the Squadron.

You will join the Squadron as a Probationer for a few weeks 'on trial'. During this time you will be introduced to the Sqn and start on your Basic Training. Throughout this period you will usually not be charged any subscription and will be able to attend most Squadron organised activities; other activities will become available to you as you progress through your membership and the classification system.

During these first few weeks you are free to leave at any point, however, the Squadron will also reserve the right to determine whether your membership would be appropriate. You will be expected to have regular attendance and support the aims of the organization and maintain the standards set.

Above all we expect you to be motivated, enthusiastic and eager to take advantage of all the opportunities in front of you.
After your probationary period you will be spoken to by a senior member of the Squadron, this need not be a formal thing, and will be asked how things have gone so far and whether you intend to stay. At that point you will become a Second Class Cadet

Classification...

First Class training.This is the first part of any cadets training. It teaches what you need to know when on RAF stations, how to map read, about the rifle and other interesting subjects

The leading cadet training consists of basic navigation, principles of flight and airmanship. Project work is a part of this classification

Senior cadet training consists of air navigation and propulsion. This part of training covers a period of around 9 months and also includes project work as part of the classification

Staff cadet training consists of 2 parts. A written exam and an interview with a wing staff officer. The 2 subjects learnt for staff are pilot navigation and airframes