Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some frequently asked questions about our squadron, Air cadets, or other things that could be useful to know.
Q: What are the requirements to go flying?
A: You can go flying once you have been enrolled to the squadron, and been in cadets for 12 weeks. Spaces are given out at random and its a 50/50 chance you will get picked, Its an amazing experience and if out of range, transport will be provided. You wont be able to get experiences like this anywhere else.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How old do i have to be to join the ATC?
A: You must be 12 or 13 to join, or in year 8, You can remain in cadets until your 17 or 18, but there are oppotunities to join continue on past that age, while some going on to RAF, some stay and become Civillian Instructors, and soon enough: SNCO's.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Do i have to wear uniform and how do i maintain it?
A: Once you have been in cadets for a certain ammount of time you will be given your uniform, its a priviledge to wear it so make sure to keep good care of it, to start you may be given 'Coveralls' which are green and are worn with your own shoes you want, they dont require any upkeep but make sure to keep it from dust or stains. After your given them for a while, you will be given your 'blues' Uniform, which consists of a blue jumper with epauletts, a dark blue shirt to be worn underneath (see uniform page for in-depth infomation) , A light blue shirt which we call wedgewoods to be worn with a tie, and a pair of dark blue trousers, Along side being given your 'greens' which has 2 types, DPM which is slightly older but still does the job, and newer MTP which is lighter, newer and has more pockets, The only thing you have to buy yourself is Black oxford parade shoes with a toecap (see unfirom page for more infomation.) And boots for your greens. You will also be given a standard issue beret with cap badge.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What if i cant attend one evening?
A: When you join, you will be added to a groupchat for notices and info, and a cadets-only group chat, There you can notify cadets and staff you cant attend, but you still have to log your abscence on 'Cadet Portal', which will automatically log you down as Authorized Abscence, you should always log your abscence though as leaving it as 'absent' can affect other things.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Where can i buy uniform and things i might need for cadets?
A: There are lots of places you can buy your uniform and things you will need for cadets such as bags, notebooks, pens and shoe polish, We reccomend the website cadet direct, which sells everything you possibly need, its your choice as sometimes shipping is slow. There are plenty of other websites though, so make sure to do your research!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any other questions? Email oc.224@rafac.mod.gov.uk
Print 