Cadet Qualifications
The Squadron provides a training programme and environment where Cadets will be able to progress through the various qualifications of the Air Cadets. Starting with the First Class Cadet badge (see left and details under our FCTC heading).
First Class Cadets undertake training towards becoming a Leading Cadet. During this training Cadets learn the principles of navigating using map and compass (Basic Navigation). How aircraft fly and what makes helicopters stay in the air (Principles of Flight), and in Airmanship II cadets are taught the Highway Code of the sky. They also need to complete at least 25 hours of “Project” work will also be undertaken at this stage. Examples of Projects are Aircraft Recognition, Aero modelling, Engineering and First Aid.
To be eligible to sit the Senior Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a Leading Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training including a further 25 hours (or more) of project work and involvement in Extra-curricular Activities.Cadets will study and take written examinations in three of the following subjects below:
- Aircraft Handling and Flying Techniques
- Air Power
- Piston Engine Propulsion
- Jet Engine Propulsion
- Rocketry
- Airframes
- Avionics and Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Military Aircraft Systems
- Basic Air Navigation
- Basic Principles of Pilot Navigation
- Advanced Radio and Radar
- Data Communications
Master Air Cadet Eligibility:
- Minimum age 16 years
- Study and take written examinations in three of the subjects remaining from the Senior Cadet subjects
Instructor Cadet Eligibility:
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- Completed Master Air Cadet
- Completed Cadet Methods of Instruction Course
- Assessed delivering a lesson in a training environment.
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This assessment of teaching ability and a verbal examination on more detailed knowledge of the Corps is usually conducted by a member of Wing staff. On passing both parts of this examination, cadets wear a yellow lanyard on the left arm, with no classification badge on the brassard.
Staff Cadet badge will be displayed on the appropriate rank slide worn.To be eligible a cadet will:
- Completed the Instructor Cadet syllabus and examination
- be 18 years or over
Qualified Aerospace Instructor (QAI)
Selection for the QAIC is rigorous. Applications submitted by candidates, with successful applicants attending a selection evaluation weekend, including a series of assessments, a 5 minute presentation, interview, tests on the flight simulator and air traffic simulator, leadership exercises, discussions and an Air Cadet/ RAF knowledge quiz.
Once qualified Cadet Instructors have experience in creating and delivering interactive presentations on a wide-array of aerospace and air power related subjects for use on Squadrons and Wings:
• Air Traffic Control • Practical Flight & Navigation Training • Air Power • Aerodynamics • Instructional Techniques • Radio Communications • Leadership & Teamwork • Pilot Studies
Qualified Junior Leader
The Junior Leaders Course is famous for being one of the hardest course for the cadet world to get on to and pass. The course selection weekend and then the course consists of 8 training weekends, one a month at various bases and training areas around the country every month.
The training course all accumulates into a single test week which the prospective Junior Leaders spend 7 days in the field, being testing for leadership and field-craft skill with various patrols and tasks every day. The course selection for about 120 cadets being accepted out of hundreds of applicants onto a selection weekend to compete for 80 places on the course, not all these will go on to pass the course.
By using field-craft the course really test the young persons leadership skills like nothing else the Corps has to offer. Alongside the course the cadets complete an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 3 qualification which is highly respected qualification.