Squadron Activities

In the Air Training Corps we participate in a huge range of activities. As a member of the ATC you will move through the classification structure by taking exams in various subjects. Essentially there are 4 classifications – First Class, Leading Class, Senior Class and Staff cadet. Each of these levels has exams that you must pass. On completion of all of these exams you will be awarded with a BTEC in aviation studies. However there is much more to the ATC than taking exams twice a year. . .

Flying

As a member of the Air Training Corps you will be given the opportunity to fly. How much flying YOU do depends on what YOU want to do. You could simply have a 20 minute flight where you sit back and enjoy the scenery, fly over you house, or take control of the plane for a brief period. Or you could gain a full flying scholarship leading a full solo pilots license. How much does all this cost? Absolutely nothing! The ATC offers free flying to all its members including scholarships that lead to full Private Pilots Licenses. Naturally these opportunities have ages limits, however as a 13 year old cadet you can still fly with an RAF Pilot and if you want take control of the plane yourself and learn aerobatics.

Fieldcraft and Survival training

Although some consider the ATC to be a “flying only” organisation that is most certainly not the case. The ATC provides training in Fieldcraft and survival allowing cadets to take part in night exercises. Night exercises vary in type; you could be part of a small patrol moving around a wood attempting to rescue a downed pilot. Or you could be part of an elite cadet team who will be inserted by helicopter into a military exercise area with L85 blank firing weapons. However Fieldcraft is not mandatory, those who do not wish to do it, don’t have to. However for those that do, the opportunity is always available.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)

Hiking, Climbing and Hill walking

The ATC offers a huge range of opportunities to cadets who enjoy climbing, hiking and hill walking, in a huge range of environments. Anywhere from an indoor climbing wall, to the Himalayas. Flt Sgt Holloway of 2008 sqn recently returned from a tri forces expedition to the Indian Himalayas where the team climbed to over 18,000 ft. Once again those who do not want to enjoy these activities do not have to participate!

Drill and Parades

As a cadet you will be expected to participate in parades to commemorate those who gave their lives in the service of our country. 2008 sqn attends both the battle of Britain parade, and remembrance day parade, and expect a full turnout of cadets at both of these.