Aviation Studies (Syllabus / Classification Training – 54 (Eastbourne) Squadron Air Training Corps

The Air Cadet’s Training Syllabus is designed to ensure that the training Cadets receive is both progressive and helps to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enable full participation in the other activities that are available. The Training that Cadets receive will vary between practical demonstration, formal lectures, hands-on projects and outdoor activities.

The technical training is based around providing training in preparation and support of the flying and gliding activities. Many Cadets find that the training syllabus is one of the more interesting and useful aspects of their overall training. Most Squadrons now offer a BTEC in Aviation Studies to Cadets who successfully complete the training syllabus. This is a nationally recognised qualification (that can be used as the science requirement for RAF entry) and can be a great addition to a Cadets CV.

The syllabus training is broken down into specific areas of studies and content. These are known as Classifications.

Upon joining the Squadron, a cadet will first have to undergo a recruit training phase. This is carried out over a few months, to teach the new recruit the basics of drill, and the workings of the ATC, and the RAF, as set out by the guidelines for ‘First Class Cadet- Part One’ (See recruitment page for more details). Upon leaving the Recruit training phase, a new cadet will be formally enrolled on the Squadron, and will then be a ‘Second Class’ cadet.

First Class Cadet

Following their enrolment, a new second class cadet will then work through ACP 36, which is an Induction Handbook for New Cadets. As a Second Class Cadet they will next complete First Class Cadet Training – Part Two and Part Three training programme which is intended as a foundation for future subjects.

The First Class Cadet – Part Two training programme covers the following:

• The Royal Air Force

• The History of Flight

The First Class Cadet – Part Three training programme covers the following:

• Initial Expedition Training

• Basic Radio Communications

• Map Reading

• Basic Principles of Airmanship

All parts of the First Class Cadet training is delivered through practical demonstration by instructors within and around Squadron premises, rather than desk-bound instruction and there are checks of understanding for those cadets completing the training rather than written examinations.

Cadets who have any form of learning difficulty, especially dyslexia, should ensure that the Staff are made aware. The Air Cadet Organisation will do its best to help all Cadets succeed, regardless of ability.

Leading Cadet

First Class Cadets undertake training towards becoming a ‘Leading’ Cadet. During this training they will learn the principles of navigating using map and compass. This training covers how aircraft fly and what makes helicopters stay in the air, and Airmanship II covers the Highway Code of the Sky. To be eligible to sit the Leading Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a First Class Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training.

The syllabus content is as follows:

• Principles of Flight

• Basic Navigation Using Map and Compass

• Airmanship Knowledge

A cadet is usually required to have reached this classification or higher before they are considered for a promotion to a ‘Cadet Corporal’.

Senior Cadet

To be eligible to sit the Senior Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a Leading Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training. Drill and extra-curricular activities are also required.

The syllabus content is any three of the following subjects:

• Air Navigation

• Propulsion

• Aircraft Handling

• Advanced Radio and Radar

• Pilot Navigation

• Airframes

• Operational Flying

• Satellite Communications

For a Cadet Corporal to be considered for a promotion to a Cadet Sergeant, they are usually expected to have obtained the classification of Senior Cadet or higher, along with a successful completion of a JNCO Course (see ‘Camps, Courses & Visits’ page in the ‘Activities’ section for more details).

Master Cadet

The syllabus content includes any three of the subjects listed for, but not taken at, Senior Cadet level. Once a Cadet achieves the Master Cadet classification, their formal syllabus / classification training is complete.

For a Cadet Sergeant to be considered for promotion to a Cadet Flight Sergeant, it is preferable for them to have obtained ‘Master’ cadet, as well as having attended a SNCO course (see ‘Camps, Courses & Visits’ page in the ‘Activities’ section for more details).

Instructor Cadet

Once a Cadet achieves the Master Cadet classification, their classification training is completed and the next phase of their training is to successfully complete the Method of Instruction (MOI) Course to be appointed an Instructor Cadet.

A Cadet Flight Sergeant who hopes to become a Cadet Warrant Officer (the highest rank obtainable in the ATC) is required to have completed their ‘Master’ cadet training, and it is preferable that they also have completed their MOI assessment (see ‘Camps, Courses & Visits’ page in the ‘Activities’ section for more details).