Most RAFAC activities are centrally funded through the RAF which helps to keep costs down.

Cadets may be required to pay towards some activities, for example an annual camp might be £80 - a small amount considering what's involved.

Our squadron charges a monthly subscription of £10 to cover basic running costs, transport etc.

If you are really unable to afford the cost of some of the activities, please speak to us in confidence as we may well be able offer some assistance.

Cadets can join from 13, or 12 if they are currently in year 8 at school, however for some activities such as flying, cadets must be 13¼.
Some shooting activities will require cadets to be aged 14yrs+.
For other activities like scholarships, cadets must be 19.

Please contact us via the "Contact us" page, call us on the number at the top of the page, or drop by on one of our squadron evenings (Meeting times are posted on the home page). We normally hold two intakes a year (March and September)
Keep an eye on this website or contact us to be added to or Future Cadet Mailing List.

Every parent's primary concern is for the safety and well-being of their son or daughter. Rest assured we take this equally seriously. Many of our activities (often outdoor) rely on our cadets being in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment in which they can sometimes be challenged physically. Our long history is a testament to our expertise and care in this area so that we can provide the thrills of adventurous training under the guidance of experienced, trustworthy staff. The staff at your local squadron are always available to speak to and will put your mind at rest regarding any concerns you may have.

In the first instance the squadron has its own safeguarding officer: Flying Officer Helen Greaves
She may be contacted here:

    Telephone - 01858 464155
    E-mail - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Air Cadets also has its own Safeguarding Officer. The contact for the RAFAC Organisation Safeguarding Officer is:

    Telephone - 01400 267088
    E-mail - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our volunteers are the inspirational connection between the organisation and our cadets. We train and prepare our staff (many of whom have been air cadets themselves or have a Service background) to deal with the needs of young people and encourage their skills in all endeavours they undertake. Volunteer staff at all levels are strictly checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) and receive internal security checks, before they can take sole charge or responsible leadership of cadets.

Volunteers are also fully trained and qualified in any activities that they are involved in, not least those taking part in adventurous pursuits who are also qualified first-aiders (essential first aid is also taught to cadets).

Rest assured - this is the way all squadrons operate - only with skilled, capable and responsible volunteers would we be able to maintain the high standards that our cadets experience and which helps push them to be higher achievers in everything they do with us - safely and confidently.

No!
Although the Air Cadets receives some funding from the RAF, we are not a recruiting organisation.
While some cadets do choose to join the military, the training provided by the RAFAC is held in high regard by civilian employers too and there is no pressure on cadets to consider a Service career.

Typically cadets will attend the squadron twice a week for up to 2½ hours a night.
Currently 1084Sqn meets on Mondays and Wednesdays between 19:00 - 21:30

Outside of these evenings, there are many activities to do at weekends and in the school holidays.
The amount of time a cadet wants to commit to is up to them.

Yes.
All cadets will have the opportunity to fly at one of the Air Experience Flights provided by the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons located around the country.
Additionally, cadets can apply for scholarships up to Private Pilots Licence level!

Our squadron is commanded by an RAFAC Officer who is assisted by Adult Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers and Civilian Instructors.
All staff have had criminal records checks to work with young people and are fully qualified in the activities they're involved in.
Check out our Staff Page to meet our Staff

Most uniform is issued by the squadron for the length of time they are a member.
Cadets may have to purchase items such as shoes or boots but these can be purchased cheaply from military surplus stores.
If you are really unable to purchase additional items such as boots and shoes, please speak to us in confidence as we may well be able offer assistance.

Absolutely!
The Air Cadets is very encouraging of parents who can help informally, and we're always looking for volunteers.
You can join as a uniformed member of staff, a non-uniformed Civilian Instructor or even as a member of a Civilian committee.
Please speak to our Commanding Officer to find out more.

As well as the obvious military element, there is also an allied civilian structure that effectively acts as the backbone of the organisation. Civilian Committees determine the running of the ATC from squadron level through to representation on the Air Defence Council. Each squadron has one, comprised of parents and friends, its role being to assist the squadron’s Commanding Officer, raise funds and ensure the squadron maintains direction.
As you can imagine, fundraising is a very important aspect as it supports many of our activities. Most camps and other adventurous pursuits are financed through this fundraising and it's these efforts which help keep the cost of air cadet membership incredibly low. Many parents and friends get a great deal of enjoyment and fun out of assisting 'their' squadrons as members of the Civilian Committee.
Committees meet to their own timetable, usually once-a-month, under the direction of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer
Most squadron Civilian Committees will be very pleased to accept offers of extra help - even if you can't commit to regular or long term assistance.