FAQs How do I join? To join you must be 13yrs but less than 18 yrs of age. Visit your local squadron and ask to join. (For details of your local squadron, please see this page)You will be given Consent to Join form which you must get your parent/ guardian to sign giving you permission to join. Only when this form is returned, signed, will you be permitted entry to the squadron as a member. Interested in joining 2012 (Caldicot) Sqn? How much does it cost to join? Nothing to join – however squadrons collect a small amount from you each week or month towards the funds – the amount may vary from squadron to squadron. This money helps towards paying for different events/ activities. Do I have to pay for my uniform? No, the uniform is free issue – all you have to do is provide your measurements required and sign for it on issue. The uniform is replaced as required as you grow, again free of charge.  If the uniform is damaged on purpose then you will be charged for the replacement. Will I learn to fly? Powered flying  Yes, you will be given to opportunity to attend an Air Experience Flying school a few times a year. You will be flown in the Grob Tutor basic trainer. The pilots vary may be either full time or reserve RAF pilots.  Occasionally you will be flown by Commercial jet pilots who are RAF Reserve pilots who have been in the RAF as pilots before they became commercial pilots. You will be allowed to take control and fly the aircraft under the supervision of the pilot. Gliding Yes, you will be given the opportunity to attend an Air Experience Gliding school a few times a year. You will be flown in the Grob Viking Glider. The pilots are adult staff members of the ATC.  You will be allowed to take control and fly the glider under the supervision of the pilot.  Do I pay for flying or gliding? No, flying and gliding is free (no charge to you) and is paid for by the ATC. Will be able to learn to shoot a weapon? Yes, you will be given training on a basic small bore weapon first and then once you are proficient and the correct age you will be trained to shoot on a full bore weapon.  All training is carried out by a trained adult staff member who is proficient in weapon handling. You will not be permitted to shoot until you have passed the necessary training and pasted certain proficiency test in weapon handing and procedures. Once trained and proficient in weapon handling you are then permitted to shoot on military ranges under qualified supervising staff for practice and competition shooting. How often do I have to attend? Usually squadrons parade (meet) twice a week. You would be required to attend on those days on a regular basis.  Your attendance is monitored and recorded in a register.  The more you attend the more you will get from your squadron in relation to training and opportunities to participate in activities. Do I have to participate in all of the activities? No, it’s up to you. However you will be encouraged to take part (at least have a go), if it’s not for you, then its ok, you will be given the opportunity to do something else. Do you participate in Sports? Yes, on different levels. Most sports are available depending on your fitness and capabilities and preferred sport. At squadron level its general types sports activity only.  At the high levels you may compete against other Squadrons to Wing and Regional levels and in some circumstances for the ATC against a different Cadet organisation such as the Sea Cadets or Army Cadets. Will I visit RAF stations? Yes, periodically you will have the opportunity to visit RAF stations for certain activities or to stay for a week on annual camp. Whilst you are at the RAF Station on annual camp you will be given the opportunity to visit varying parts of the station to see how it operates.  If you stay at a “Flying Station” that is where there are aircraft located you will be selected to fly in those aircraft as available at the time (this extra flying is not guaranteed). Non flying stations (on aircraft) you will be taken to a flying station for flying. The opportunity to fly in large RAF aircraft, such as the Hercules, VC10, Nimrod, Helicopters, Tristars etc is encouraged to gain more experiences of flying and to see how the aircraft operate and what the RAF does.  Flying in large aircraft on theses occasions may take you on a short (local flight) or on long (a few hours) dependant on the availability at the time. It’s an opportunity not to be missed. Other visits or stays may take you on courses or sport or other competition events or Air Shows.  What do I pay for? In general ATC activities are free – such as Flying, Gliding, Sports, Uniform, and general transport to events. Activities such as:- Adventure Training  Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Annual camps  And other activities attract a small charge dependant on what it is. Some local activities at squadron level also attract a small charge to assist with the cost.