The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:
To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
Ranks In The ATC.
Air Cadets get the opportunity of flying in RAF and commercial aircraft - many progressing to achieve Flying Scholarships and their Private Pilots Licence (PPL).
Shooting
Cadets at all levels of the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in the rifle shooting. Cadets get to fire the .22 rifle and the L98 which is the cadet version of the SA80-standard issue to the british army.
Gliding
As well as powered flying, cadets get regular opportunities to go Gliding. The Air Training Corps has it's own fleet of gliders, consisting of the Viking winch launch glider and the Vigilant Motor Glider. A series of courses exist to allow cadets to become familiar with gliding.
Sport
There are many opportunities to compete in a wide range of sports
competitions with other cadets at Squadron, Southern Area, Wing, Region and,
if very talented, Corps level. Activities include football, rugby, hockey,
netball, athletics, swimming and cross-country.
Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, or as I call it, "D of E", was first created in 1956 and has been headed by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh ever since. It offers practical, cultural and adventurous activities in a non-competitive atmosphere for young people between the age of 14 and 25 and is divided into three Award programmes - Bronze, Silver and Gold.
General Information
The Corps, which has charitable status, is not a recruiting organization but many members do go on to have careers in the Royal Air Force, other Services or civilian life. Currently approximately 50% of all aircrew (pilots, navigators and NCO aircrew) and 47% of Officers are ex-Cadets.
