Flying and Gliding

Cadets in the Air Training Corps are privileged to fly in various types of aircraft, of which the RAF Grob Tutor plane pictured in flight here is an example. The Grob Tutor is a small two seater fixed wing aircraft with dual controls.Cadets fly with a qualified instructor, and can actually control the aircraft for a duration of the flight.A cadet can typically expect to receive tuition on flying, with the chance to perform some aerobatics at some stage. Air Cadets are also able to fly a gliding scholarship to solo standards after their 16th birthday - Learn to fly before you can drive! 1187 Cadets have the chance to go flying at least once a year at Number 5 Air Experience Flight (AEF) based at RAF Wyton. There are sometimes extra chances for flying in a variety of other RAF aircraft.

Inside a Valient glider

Many cadets also apply for an RAF Flying Scholarship, which counts as hours towards a Private Pilots License (PPL).

Although originally the main recruiting organisation for the RAF, the Air Training Corps does not impose any compulsion to join the service. Air Cadets go on to have careers in the RAF, other services or civilian life. Currently approximately 50% of all RAF aircrew (pilots, navigators and NCO aircrew) and 47% of all RAF Officers are ex Air Cadets. See the main RAF Website HERE

Shooting

Air Cadets have the opportunity to participate in rifle shooting, as marksmanship is part of the training syllabus.

On a firing rahge

As with all ATC activities, safety is the number one priority. Training is an important part and each cadet is fully trained in whichever rifle they will be using.

1187 cadets have the chance to shoot at our very own indoor range in the Hemel Hempstead base as well as go shooting at a 25m outdoor barrack range once a month.

Firing rahge instruction

There are two main rifles used in the Air Training Corps, the L98-A1 cadet GP rifle and the .22 No. 8 rifle. More recently, the L81-A2 has been reintroduced as a competition firing rifle which fires 7.62mm rounds.

Cadets who achieve a high standard of marksmanship get the chance to compete in skill at arms weekends at camps such as Longmoor.

Duke of Edinburgh

   

Cadets have the opportunity and are encouraged to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This renowned nationally recognised award comes in three levels; bronze silver and gold. It is achieved over a given time period on completion of specially selected core elements based on personal development.

Collecting an award

On achieving the gold award you could even find yourself attending Buckingham Palace to collect your award presented by His Royal Highness the Duke himself.

In the last 2 years 1187 Sqn cadets have achieved 8 Bronze, 7 Silver and 2 Gold Awards.

Duke of Edinburgh Scheme

For up to the minute information on the Duke of Edinburgh award and other branches of the scheme please click on the above image to go to the Duke of Edinburgh award website.