Group of cadets after athletics

What we do

Our engaging training programme and close relationships with the Royal Air Force and other partners will help you reach your full potential.  You will be able to gain and improve key life skills such as confidence, communication, physical and mental wellbeing, teamwork and leadership.

Our engaging training programme and close relationships with the Royal Air Force and other partners will help you reach your full potential.  You will be able to gain and improve key life skills such as confidence, communication, physical and mental wellbeing, teamwork and leadership.

Activities

Of course, RAF Air Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation, so you will be expected to take pride in your appearance and personal discipline at all times.

Being an Air Cadet opens up a world of opportunities for you, including:

Air

Flying and gliding, air experience flights in the RAF fixed wing and rotary fleet, drone operations and pilot training including the opportunity to fly solo

Space

Learn about the Royal Air Force and defence industry capabilities in satellite communications, rocketry, air and space technology

Cyber

For those curious about computer and networking skills, programming, cyber security and cyber warfare

Skills

Specialist trainers deliver sports, music, bands, first aid, radio communications, drill and ceremonial and road marching. RAF Air Cadets is also one of the largest UK providers of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

Adventure Training

Visit one of our training and activity centres around the UK to try rock climbing, abseiling, high-level hill walking, mountain-biking, canoeing, high rope work and sailing.

Military

Visits to specialist units across the UK armed forces, target shooting, parachuting, annual camps at military bases in the UK and overseas, fieldcraft and survival skills, experiencing overseas travel through the International Air Cadet Exchange programme

Further education

Gain BTEC diplomas in teamwork and personal development, leadership, music, and ILM qualifications in leadership and management

A safe place to try new things

The number one focus for the RAF Air Cadets is the safety of our people. All our members have a duty of care to themselves and others, using appropriate health and safety guidance, so that all activities are carried out safely. The safeguarding of young people is central to all our operations and a robust safeguarding policy and governance framework is followed. The RAF Air Cadets prides itself on being a fully inclusive organisation.

Safeguarding guide

As well as the great experiences and adventures you'll have as an Air Cadet, you can also gain qualifications that will help with your education and careers.

Our training and education provides:

  • a progressive programme which is enjoyable, exciting and challenging
  • opportunities to gain recognised qualifications

As you complete the training and qualifications available, you’ll earn badges to show your progress.

Basic Cadet training

All Air Cadets will complete their basic training as part of a group called Tutor Flight. The basic training syllabus will cover:

  • History and structure of the RAF Air Cadets (ATC and CCF)
  • The Royal Air Force
  • History of flight
  • Drill
  • Map reading
  • Radio communications
  • Flying operations and
  • Expedition training.

On completing basic training cadets become First Class Cadets and graduate from Tutor Flight, gaining their first classification badge. The longer you stay in the Air Cadets, the more opportunities you can benefit from.

Training for Leading Cadets

First Class Cadets then start training for the Leading Cadet classification.  This training is made up of three subjects building on basic training.  They are:

  • Airmanship knowledge
  • Principles of flight
  • Basic navigation using map and compass

Training for Senior Cadets

Leading Cadet then start training to gain Senior Cadet Classification and can choose any three of the Senior subjects:

  • Air Navigation
  • Pilot Navigation
  • Aircraft Handling & Flying Techniques
  • Airframes
  • Piston Engine Propulsion
  • Jet Engine Propulsion
  • Rocketry
  • Military Aircraft Systems
  • Principles of Air Power
  • Radio & Radar
  • Satellite & Data Communications
  • Avionics & Aircraft Electrical Systems

Training for Master Air Cadets

Air Cadets training for their Master Cadet Classification can choose any three of the Senior syllabus subjects not already undertaken. The minimum age for appointment to Master Air Cadet is 15.

Skills and qualifications available through the Air Cadets

Our education and training offers something for all interests. Whether a beginner or if you already have some experience and qualifications,  you’ll find something to suit your needs and keep you learning.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is recognised by employers everywhere. You can take on the challenge as part of your adventurous training, working your way up through the levels all the way to Gold - something to be really proud of.

Leadership training

You can prove your worth as a leader - a skill that will build your confidence and your ability to deal with different kinds of people. We offer Wing and Regional Leadership Courses, Cadet Leadership Courses and The Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course.

BTECs

BTECs are a widely recognised qualification. The BTEC in Aerospace Studies is being finalised to replace our BTEC in Aviation Studies.

Other BTECs available are:

  • BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Skills for Uniformed Youth Organisations
  • BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community (SCQF Level 5)
  • BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Space Studies

Leadership and management qualifications, from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) are available to cadets and adult volunteers.

Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Cadets over 16 can undertake this qualification. The content of the Air, Space and Cyber projects are decided by the cadet themselves. The qualification is equivalent to half an A-level and has UCAS points for higher education.

First Aid

First Aid is an essential skill you can pick up and you may also be awarded a certificate from St Johns Ambulance.

City & Guilds

Adult volunteers can benefit from vocational qualifications in management.

Earn badges as your training progresses

Badges will show the level of training you have completed and the more you learn and gain, the more badges you will earn too.

Blue, bronze, silver and gold badges are available in:

  • Space
  • Cyber and communications
  • Flying and gliding
  • Shooting
  • Music
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • First aid
  • Leadership
  • Road marching
SPACE STUDIES
The Level 2 certificate in space studies was designed in consultation with military space specialists from UK Joint Space, the National Space Centre, teachers and the RAF Air Cadets Space Team.
Learn more