Flying is what sets the ATC apart from all other youth organisationa in the country, the ATC offers numerous ways in which to get airborne, the types of flying available to cadets are outlined here.

Air Experience Flying (AEF)

Your ATC flying career will probably begin in the Grob Tutor at one of twelve AIr Experience Flights throughout the country. Squadrons are allocated a number of places each year at AEF, with West Mercian Wing flying with No 8 AEF at RAF Cosford in addition AEF is normally included on the summer camp programme. With an RAF or RAFVR(T) pilot at the controls you will be introduced to the effects of the controls on the aircraft and, if you wish, you will probably have the opportunity to take the controls yourself. As you become more experiences you will get the opportunity to experience aerobatics, initially you will follow the pilot through on the controls, lightly placing your hands and feet on the control column and rudder pedals to get a feel for the control inputs required to perform the maneouvre, then you may have the chance to fly the aircraft in an aerobatic maneouvre yourself.

Opportunity Flights

In addition to AEF cadets will have the opportunity to fly in other service aircraft. These flights normally occur during summer camp, but may be arranged locally by squadron commanders and can include flights as a passenger in a fast jet, onboard a tanker aircraft on a refueling sortie or as a supernumerary crew member on a transport aeroplane or helicopter. It is not uncommon for cadets to get an overseas visit as part of an opportunity flight.

Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS)

Cadets who wish to pursue a career in aviation can apply for the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS), which provides a pinnacle of flying experience for those cadets lucky enough to be selected. There are three scholarships available:

Air Cadet Light Aircraft Course

Involves twelve hours flying training up to first solo standard in a light aircraft at a civilian flying school.

Air Cadet Air Experience Flying Course

Offers ten hours flying training at an Air Experience Flight on the Grob Tutor covering all aspects of applied service flying including advanced handling and aerobatics.

Air Cadet Microlight Course

Provides ten hours flying training up to first solo standard in a microlight aircraft at an RAF Microlight Club.

Eligibility and Application

In order to apply for one of the courses offered under the ACPS you must:

• Be aged 16 years at application and 17 by the start of the course.
• Hold or predicted to achieve GCSE grade C or equivalent SCE above in English Language and Mathematics (BTEC in Aviation Studies can be accepted as an alternative to Mathematics).
• Have achieved Gliding Scholarship solo (silver wings), although exceptions may be allowed with written support.
• Be available to attend for a continuous residential course of up to fourteen days duration.

Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Scheme

In addition to the above cadets may also apply for the Air Cadet Pilot Navigation Scheme, which provides 8 hours air navigation training over a fourteen day period at an AEF on the Grob Tutor aircraft. There is a significant amount of ground based planning to be done prior to the airborne navigation exercises. To be eligible to apply cadets must be aged 16 or older and gave passed the Air Navigation section of the cadet training syllabus.