Click on a question below to find out the answer...


What do you do?
Well, how about: Flying, Gliding, Shooting, Survival Training, Expeditions, Initiative Exercises, Leadership, Climbing, Parachuting, Sports... and much more.




What opportunities for advancement are there within the Corps?
Promotion? Everone wants it, and there isn't enough to go around. This means you have to shine (Your boots!) and generally stand out in the squadron. I know a Sergeant who was promoted from Cadet rank to Corporal at 14 and was giving orders to 16-17 year olds! It goes like this:

CADETS (CDT)
CORPORALS (CPL)
SERGEANTS (SGT)
FLIGHT SERGEANTS (F/SGT)
CADET WARRANT OFFICERS (CWO)

Not everyone reaches CWO, but when/if you do, you can be assured that you will be taking part in the actual running of the squadron!
Eventually, you'll have to leave when you reach 22, and believe me, I have known a lot of cadets who have left due to work/schooling pressures, and they did not want to leave. It's that much fun!




How will I be helped in later life by my time in the Corps?
If you're thinking about joining any of the Armed Forces then your time in the Corps will be invaluable - we train you to do things that most people only learn in their recruit training in the RAF, so if you're an ex-cadet then you've already got a huge head start - for one thing, you can march! Even if you're not even considering the military life, however, Cadets can help you in more ways than you can imagine. Employers will look fondly on you because they know that ex Air Cadets will already have self discipline and pride, and can both work in a team and lead one. If you choose to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award, then your participation in this will gain points with employers too, as well as with universities and practically anywhere you go in life.




How much does it cost?
Subscription fees cost £1.25 per week or £5.00 per month. On enrolment, Cadets are also required to pay a £10 joining fee, which will largely go towards paying for their entry to the DofE scheme as well as administrative costs. If it sounds expensive, consider the number of times a Cadet will have an opportunity to fly in their ATC career... one AEF flight costs around £550, and Cadets get them free. Summer camps, etc. also usually have a nominal charge attached to them but attendance to the camps is purely voluntary and subsidies are available for parents on income support.




How old do I have to be?
The base age for becoming a second class (enrolled) Cadet is 13 years and 3 months, although Cadets are encouraged to start attending on a probationary basis any time after their 13th birthday. Certain age restrictions apply thereafter, for example Cadets must be 16 to parachute with the ATC, but this is due to insurance regulations. After enrolment participation in events is mainly limited by classification level (how "senior" the Cadets are).




Where do you meet?
We parade (meet) every Monday and Friday night from 1900 - 2130 hours in the Strawberry Dale Drill Hall building on Strawberry Dale Avenue in Harrogate. There is a red and blue sign on the building and during the summer the blue ATC ensign (flag) is flying after 1900 hours. For directions etc, call 01423 875443 any time after 1900 on a Monday or Friday and a staff member will be pleased to assist you.




How do I join?
Simply turn up on a parade night! Alternatively you can arrange a specified date by phoning the above squadron phone number or phoning our Commanding Officer, David Walker, on 01423 506013. You will be given a tour and introduced to the ATC and the way it works. You're under no obligation, so why not try the Air Cadets today!