Flying and Gliding
Joining the RAF Air Cadets opens up lots of opportunities, including the chance to fly!
There are plenty of opportunities for cadets to get in the air. It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as a passenger in a light aircraft, a glider or even on-board RAF aircraft such as a Chinook helicopter or a Voyager passenger/freight/tanker aircraft. An Air Experience Flights (AEF) could even see you doing aerobatics in an RAF Grob Tutor trainer aircraft!
Gliding
Soar to success! There are fantastic opportunities to glide while you are a cadet, with the ultimate goal going solo. Our closest gliding school is at Swanton Morley in Norfolk, but we have also been to the RAF's Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston near Nottingham.
Air Experience Flights (AEF)
Feel the thrill of powered flight, with an aerobatic-qualified pilot to guide you through taking control of the aircraft yourself. Hence, not only will you have the opportunity to learn about 'normal flying' but also experience aerobatics.
Don't worry, there's training too
If you are worried about flying or do not want to fly, that is absolutely fine and you need not worry about it holding you back. There are plenty of other activities on offer to you. And if you wish to fly without actually getting airborne, we have access to simulators. We are even fortunate enough to have our very own 'part task trainer' at our Squadron Headquarters!
This simulator is incredibly useful to find out if flying interests you, learn some of the basic skills and keep those skills up.