What age can you join at?
You can join if you are in School Year 8 or above and are less than 17 years old. You can stay on until you are 18, or 20 as a Staff Cadet.
How much does it cost?
Subs are £17 a month and cover the cost of most activities. Flying, gliding, shooting and many more activities are completely free although there is a small charge for some camps.
Can girls join the ATC?
Yes, absolutely!
How old do you have to be to start flying, gliding etc?
You can start going flying and gliding when you are 13 years 3 months and after you are enroled, which is about one month after you first join.
What sports do you play?
Football, Rugby, Netball, Table Tennis, Swimming, Hockey, Cross Country & Athletics.
What can you gain out of going to cadets?
Experience, qualifications, knowledge, making new friends, leadership skills and teamwork skills.
How long do you have to be in cadets before you can get your uniform?
You have to have been a cadet for around one month and be formally enrolled.
Does the uniform cost anything?
No, the uniform does not cost anything, but you do have to supply your own shoes.
Do you have to be fit to join the Air Cadets?
No, anyone can join and you can get fitter by attending sports nights that we hold.
What is the ATC all about?
The Air Training Corps is a youth organisation supported by the RAF. It is not a recruiting organisation, but if you are planning on joining any of the Armed Forces, it will provide you with loads of useful skills and experiences.
What do you do on Parade nights?
We have lectures on a variety of topics for our classification exams, and we do a lot of fieldcraft training, BTEC Diploma & Duke of Edinburgh Award preparation, shooting and projects.
What do you do in projects?
"Projects" are where you can choose from a range of available activities. These might include things like making a year book, making a drone, competing in cyber challenges, aeromodelling or drill.
Do you have any weekends away?
Yes, we have at least one weekend away every year with the whole squadron, where we do lots of different activities. We also have day walks throughout the year, as well as Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions and annual camps.
What do you do on a camp?
On a camp you are based at an active RAF station, where you do a range of activities including sport, flying, gliding, shooting, section visits and initiative exercises.
How old do you have to be to do a flying scholarship?
You have to be 16 years old.
Where do we go flying?
RAF Leeming.
Which rifles do we use?
The L144A1 Cadet Small Bore Target Rifle, L98A2 Cadet General Purpose Rifle and the L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle.
When you do flying and gliding, which aircraft do you use?
You fly in the Grob Tutor and glide in the Grob Viking.
Can you go to other countries with the cadets?
Yes, you can go on summer camps to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus or to Gibraltar, as well as having the option of taking part in the International Air Cadet Exchange once a year. However you must be 16 years old, have a current passport and go through selection interviews.
When do you have to salute?
You salute on parade, for HM The Queen and any commissioned officer (e.g. RAF, Royal Navy or British Army).
How short does your hair have to be?
For girls any length as long as it is wrapped up, for boys it must not touch your ears or shirt collar.
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