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Tag: Air Training Corps

Air Cadets Set to Celebrate!

Air Cadets from across the region are set to swap the air for the ground to celebrate 75 years of the organisation. Durham Northumberland Wing is holding a celebratory parade to mark 75 years of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets - an organisation that was initially established to train young men to fly aircraft as part of the Second World War effort but has now developed into a unique youth organisation. To celebrate the occasion, the 12 to 19-year-olds and their officers and senior NCOs will be marching through the City of Durham and holding a service of thanksgiving at Durham Cathedral this Saturday. The 700 strong parade will be led by the 75th anniversary torch as it makes...

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Camps

Annual Camps Every year, Air Cadets from around the Wing are given the opportunity to attend a Camp on an operational RAF station, anywhere in the United Kingdom. These camps usually take place during the school Easter, Summer and Autumn holiday periods so they won't interfere with cadets schooling. RAF Station camps aim to show cadets what life is like in the Royal Air Force and allows the cadets to experience what is like to live on an RAF Station. They are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people as cadets attend from lots of different Squadrons and Wings. Often, cadets have the chance to fly in service aircraft such as a Chinook heavy lift helicopter or a C-17 Globemaster...

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Local ATC Volunteer named in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Flt Lt Susan Gillies, Officer Commanding 1016 (Berwick) Squadron, has been awarded the Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group’s Commendation in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, after giving more than 19 years' service to the Squadron and Wing. Wing Commander Harris, Officer Commanding Durham/Northumberland Wing, said, “Flt Lt Gillies has served the Berwick community and the Air Training Corps as a Civilian Instructor and as a RAFVR(T) Officer since 1997. She took command of 1016 (Berwick) Squadron in September 2000 and built this geographically isolated unit into a thriving air-minded centre of excellent, parading some 40 – 45 Cadets. In 2011 due to her employer reorganisation, Flt Lt Gillies could not undertake her duties as Officer Commanding and relinquished her...

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Sunderland Cadet is a High Flyer!

A cadet from 111 (Sunderland) Squadron recently qualified through the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme by completing a solo flight. Cadet Sergeant Gianluca Giordano, 18, completed the course following two weeks of intensive training at Tayside Aviation, Dundee.The course, which is free of charge through the Air Training Corps, prepares students for their solo flight which includes aircraft handling, air traffic control procedures and emergency drills. Cadets who complete the training and fly solo are awarded 'wings' to wear on their uniform. Sergeant Giordano said: "This was an incredible experience, I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity especially as I wish to pursue an aviation career with the Royal Air Force." Flying opportunities are available to all ATC...

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FAQs

We’ve compiled a list of the most popular questions here. If you want to know something that is not listed, then don't hesitate to get in touch with us. What sort of activities do the air cadets do?  We get to do a huge variety of activities such as flying, gliding, target shooting, adventure training, sports, camps, drill, academic studies and lots of other things. There's never a dull moment. How old must I be to join? You can join when you're 12 and in Year 8 at school. You must have joined by your 17th birthday. You can remain a cadet until you're 20. How many times a week does the ATC meet? We meet twice a week. Squadrons...

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Information for Parents

Safeguarding The RAF Air Cadet organisation does not tolerate abuse and bullying, and we have clear policies and practices to defend against it. We seek to create a culture that encourages adults and cadets to speak up, confront and disclose any concerns, and we take tremendous pride in the trust young people place in us to support them. Unlike many youth organisations, our disclosure checks are repeated every 5 years. Our safeguarding policies are also reviewed regularly and independently audited, and are always available to cadets, parents, guardians and adult volunteers. We recognise that safeguarding young people from abuse is our absolute priority alongside ensuring that the cadet experience we create is safe.  Activities are planned and supervised by qualified...

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Join as Staff

Volunteering with the Air Cadets is a great way to spend your free time and make friends along the way! It's also a great opportunity to give something back to your local community.      Click HERE to register your interest!    Joining our team will give you a chance to put your skills to use, no matter how diverse. All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests.  Maybe you have a knowledge of the Armed Forces (although this is by no means essential); maybe you have a background in outdoor activities or sports; maybe you have some aviation knowledge; or maybe you are just keen to develop and train young...

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Join as a Cadet

To the join the Air Cadets as a cadet and enjoy the exciting range of activities that young people near you are experiencing you need to be aged between 12 (and in Year 8 at school) and 17 years old. If you would like to locate your nearest squadron you can contact Durham Northumberland headquarters on 0191 213 1919 or use our Squadrons page by clicking here. If you live outside this area visit the Squadron Locator section of the Air Cadet Website. Whichever squadron you choose to join you are guaranteed a friendly welcome; it is recommended that you take a parent to the squadron with you when you go and enquire. All cadets are required to follow a Cadet Code of Conduct which outlines...

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First Aid

All Cadets and Staff take part in some first aid training, from the introductory Heartstart course, to the full 16-hour St John Ambulance Activity First Aid. HEARTSTART All Cadets and Staff undertake this short British Heart Foundation course, which introduces them to the basics of first aid. YOUTH FIRST AIDER Many Cadets will progress to the St John Youth First Aider, which is a comprehensive course covering many aspects of first aid, and leading to the award of a Bronze First Aid Badge. Having a recognised first aid certificate is also a great addition to Cadets' CVs! ADULT FIRST AID TRAINING The Wing also runs St John Ambulance 16-hour Activity First Aid courses for staff and older cadets.

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Music and Bands

Durham/Northumberland Wing operates a highly successful band which is made up from cadet musicians from across the Squadrons in the North East.  The band has played at various high profile venues including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, as well as at the commissioning of HMS Queen Elizabeth which is the Royal Navy's newest aircraft carrier.  The band is open to any cadet of any ability and regular training sessions take place to prepare for events and competitions. Every year Music Camps are arranged at all levels of the organisation. The first Air Cadet National Concert Band camp of the year usually takes place during the school half-term holiday in February. The Camp is arranged by Air Cadets HQ and takes...

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