A pathway to future success
Welcome to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Are you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new friends? Are you looking for something to give you the edge in life? Then welcome to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). Better known as the ‘Air Cadets’, we’re a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years.
1,600+ CADETS & STAFF
We’re part of a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years. We’re sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give you hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop your skills.
Who we are
35 UNIQUE SQUADRONS
Durham/Northumberland Wing covers County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland and includes 35 Squadrons from the Scottish Border to County Durham, and from the Pennines across to the North-east coast.
Squadrons
Challenge yourself
From flying to fieldcraft, shooting to sports. These are just some of the amazing activities and skills you can take part in with the Air Cadets.
What we do
Flying
Gliding
Camps
Shooting
First Aid
Adventure Training
Music
Drill and Ceremonial
Sports
Training & Education
DofE
Fieldcraft
Flying
Gliding
Camps
Shooting
First Aid
Adventure Training
Music
Drill and Ceremonial
Sports
Training & Education
DofE
Fieldcraft
Success Stories
Find out more about our cadets and staff here, and learn about what they do and why they joined us!
From Air Cadet to Airline Pilot
Since childhood, I’ve always been fascinated by aircraft and dreamed of one day becoming a pilot. At 13, I joined the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, knowing it was the perfect place to build the foundations for that dream. Over the five years I spent in the RAFAC, I experienced things I’ll never forget, from taking my very first flights in the cockpit of a Grob Tutor, to visiting RAF bases, trying new sports and activities, and gaining qualifications that would help pave my path to the flight deck.
By the time I left, I had achieved the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, and more importantly, found a confidence in myself and my abilities that still carries me today.
I then began my pilot training on an Integrated ATPL course with an airline academy. In under two years, I completed my CAA theory exams and flight training in both the UK and USA. As the course came to an end, I secured my first airline role as a Second Officer.
Today, I’m flying the Boeing 737 for a well‑known airline, living the dream I had as a young cadet.
I met incredible people, gained unforgettable experiences, and learned so much during my time in the Air Cadets. It truly set me on the path to the career I always wanted.
Dream big. Start young. Work hard. It’s worth it.
Matthew Winchester
1507 (Chester-le-Street) & 36 (Hetton-le-Hole)
Ready to take the next step?
If you have a question, we’d love to hear from you. Please use the form to send us a message.