About Us
The squadron was formed in 1941 and since then has been going strong. We are open to anyone who is interested in joining either as a cadet or member of the adult staff.
To join as a cadet you must be aged between 13 and 17 years old. Cadets of all nationalities, backgrounds and abilities are equally welcome.
There are a number of Uniformed and Non-uniformed roles for adults within the Air Cadet Organisation. As an adult you can join the ATC as a Civilian Instructor and even become a uniformed Officer. You do not need to be ex-Services to have the skills to make a difference.
Many people think that we are a recruiting organisation for the Royal Air Force (RAF); we are NOT. Our training and sponsorship comes from the RAF and we are an aviation orientated organisation however the ACO is about much more than flying and gliding. This is reflected in the aims of the Corps:
- To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in Aviation and the Royal Air Force.
- To provide training which will be usefull in both the services and civilian life.
- To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
The Air Training Corps motto is:
Venture Adventure
The Air Training Corps is the largest operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Awrd scheme. Perhaps that's not so surprising when you learn that HRH Prince Philip is the ATC's Commodore-in-Chief, taking a keen interest in the organization and its members.
Air Cadets get the opportunity of flying in RAF and commercial aircraft - many progressing to achieve Flying Scholarships and their Private Pilots Licence (PPL).
The Corps, which has charitable status, is not a recruiting organization but many members do go on to have careers in the Royal Air Force, other Services or civilian life. Currently approximately 34% of all aircrew (pilots, navigators and NCO aircrew) and 20% of Officers are ex-Cadets.