When a cadet joins a Squadron, he does so as a 2nd class cadet.

After a probationary period they will be enrolled into the squadron at a formal ceremony and will begin their formal training.


Enrolment with the Sqn Padre

As cadets progress through their Qualifications they cover a vast and varied range of subjects.

As they complete each exam, as in the regular Airforce, they progress through the classification structure and will receive the badge to go with their new qualification.

The current versions of the formal training syllabus is described below, with links to the PDF version of the training manuals hosted by Headquarters Air Cadets.

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1st Class Cadet

Although the First Class Cadet Examination is not particularly difficult, studying and lectures from your Staff are given in order to help you to pass.

The examination paper is generally compiled by your Squadron Staff, although there is a certain agreement throughout the Wing about what questions should be asked.

After the examination is taken (and passed) you will also be required to perform a practical drill test in order to show that you are fully able to take part is your squadron duties.
The sections/categories to study are:

• ACP 31 Section 1: The Air Training Corps
• ACP 31 Section 2: The Royal Air Force
• ACP 31 Section 4: Initial Expedition Training
• ACP 31 Section 5: The CCF (RAF)
• ACP 32 Volume 1: Map Reading
• ACP 33 Volume 1: History of Flight
• ACP 34 Volume 1: Airmanship I
  
• 1st Aid (Optional)
  
• Drill - Practical test
  

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Leading Cadet

After passing your First Class exam you will start training towards becoming a "Leading" Cadet.

During this training you will be learning the principles of navigating using map and compass. You will also be learing how aircraft fly and what makes helicopters stay in the air, and in Airmanship II you will be learning the Highway Code of the the Sky.

You will also need to undertake at least 25 hours of "Project" work.

Examples of Projects are shown below but the final choice will be up to you and your Sqn staff:

• Aircraft Recognition
• Aeromodelling
• Band Training
• Computing (e.g. Sqn web site design)
• Engineering

The academic subjects covered at this level are:

• ACP 32 Volume 2: Basic Navigation
• ACP 33 Volume 2: Principles Of Flight
• ACP 34 Volume 2: Airmanship II
  

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Senior/Staff(Part 1) Cadet

The academic subjects from this point on are chosen by the cadet at each grade.
You choose 2 for your Senior qualification and 2 different ones at Staff level.

You will also be required to carry on and complete 25 hours of project work at each level as well as advancing your drill skills.
You are also encouraged to take part in Extra-curricular Activities and PT and the exact nature of these is once again decided by you in conjunction wit hthe staff.

The academic subjects you can select from at this level are:

• ACP 32 Volume 3: Air Navigation
• ACP 32 Volume 4: Pilot Navigation
• ACP 33 Volume 3: Propulsion
• ACP 33 Volume 4: Airframes
• ACP 34 Volume 3 Instructors' Guide
  •                            Contents
  •                            Chapter 2
  •                            Chapter 3
  •                            Chapter 4
  •                            Chapter 5
  •                            Chapter 6
• ACP 34 Volume 4: Operational Flying
• ACP 35 Volume 3: Advanced Radio & Radar
                              Instructor's Guide
  •                             Chapter 1
  •                             Chapter 2
  •                             Chapter 3
  •                             Chapter 4
• ACP 35 Volume 4: Satellite Communications
  

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Staff(Part 2)

In order to be awarded the Yellow Lanyard to show that you are a Staff Cadet you must undertake an oral examination, based on ACP 42, which is conducted by a Wingg Staff Officer.

They will aim to cover the candidate's:

• Knowledge of the structure of the Corps, its aims and training requirements.
• Knowledge of sqn administration and supply procedures.
• Organisational or instructional ability (NB: if the candidate's actual performance cannot be observed, oral testing on organisational and instructional techniques and associated tasks/problems is to be given).

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