With almost 40,000 members within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country’s premier youth organisations and the world’s largest youth air training organisation. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.

Air cadets in Year 8 to 20 years old are given the chance to learn to fly, develop skills to lead expeditions, become target shooting marksmen and learn about aviation and aerospace. This is only a small list of the many activities and opportunities available all whilst making new friends.

The Air Training Corps was developed to encourage and help assist young people to have a career in the Royal Air Force and similar aviation careers.

We’re sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give you a hands-on experience full of activities and courses that will challenge and develop your skills to help you succeed in whatever you want to do.

Our aims are to:

• Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
• Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
• Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
  And there’s one more important thing – to have a lot of fun!

As a cadet you’ll have the opportunity to do things that others only dream about. Want real flight experience? No problem. How about heading out on adventurous training and camps, sometimes overseas? Normal for cadets. Competitive sports, drill, shooting, music, abseiling, engineering projects? Our list of activities is long, varied and open to all cadets. Yes it’s a challenge, but that’s what life’s all about.

We are not a recruiting organisation for the RAF but if you’re thinking about a Service career, cadet membership will put you ahead of the competition. Many cadets go on to great success in the RAF (and the other Services). Around 40% of officers and 50% of all aircrew (including pilots, navigators and engineers) in the RAF now are ex-cadets. Research shows that they do better in basic training and stay in the Service longer than their colleagues. Likewise, if you chose a civilian career our research proves you can go on the great things…employers just love the skills and experience that air cadets offer.

Let’s face it – where else would you be given the opportunity to fly solo in a glider or powered aircraft when you’re 16? Whatever you do with your life, at the end of your time as a cadet you’ll be self-motivated, confident and ready for anything.