Classifications

There are four different cadet classification badges that show what stage of training a cadet has completed. The training is progressive and 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 lessons, hands-on projects and plenty of outdoors activities. 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. All the lessons are supported by Air Cadet Publications (ACP's) containing all the information they need to progress.

First Class Cadet

Until you are a First Class Cadet, you will be in the Basic Training Flight (BTF). Basic training is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you will need before attending RAF Stations and joining in the full activities of the Squadron. The exam is multiple choice and you will be given a lot of help from the staff. You will study the following subjects:

  • History of the ATC
  • History of the RAF
  • Airmanship I
  • History of Flight
  • The Rifle
  • Map Reading
  • Communications
  • Initial Expedition Training
  • Heart Start Qualification in First Aid
  • Drill

Leading Cadet

First Class Cadets undertake training towards becoming a Leading Cadet. During this training, you will be learning the principles of navigating using a map and compass. You will also be learning how aircraft fly and what makes helicopters stay in the air. The subjects involved are:

  • Basic Navigation
  • Principles of Flight
  • Airmanship II

Senior Cadet

Leading Cadets follow the Senior Cadet syllabus, and study two of the following subjects:

  • Airframes
  • Satellite Communications 
  • Pilot Navigation
  • Aircraft Handling
  • Advanced Radio & Radar
  • Propulsion
  • Operational Flying
  • Air Navigation

Staff Cadet

After becoming a Senior Cadet, you will undertake training towards becoming a Staff Cadet. This is the highest cadet classification, and is divided into two parts. On successful completion of Staff Part 1, cadets automatically qualify for a the BTEC in Aviation Studies (Intermediate level). At Staff Part I you will study two of the following subjects that you did not cover whilst working towards your senior classification:

  • Airframes
  • Satellite Communications
  • Pilot Navigation
  • Aircraft Handling
  • Advanced Radio & Radar
  • Propulsion
  • Operational Flying
  • Air Navigation

Staff Part II involves an oral interview with a Wing Staff Officer, based on:

  • Knowledge of the Corps, aims and training requirements.
  • Knowledge of Squadron Admin and Supply procedures.
  • Knowledge of the Wing
  • Explanation of your role on the squadron

On completion of Staff Part 2, cadets qualify for the yellow lanyard.