The Air Training Corps
The Air Training Corps is a voluntary youth organization supported by the Royal Air Force. It is open to anyone aged 13 to 17. The ATC is one of the country's premier youth organizations and the world's largest youth air training organization with almost 41,000 members, within nearly 1,000 Squadrons. The Cadets are supported by volunteer Staff and Civilian Committee Members. The Air Cadet Organisation has more members and aircraft than the Royal Air Force!
The Air Training Corps aim's to provide a stimulating, exciting and varied training program which ensures that all cadets achieve their full potential. Most Squadrons will meet twice a week during which cadets are able to take part in may activities, as well as planning for additional ones. Additional activities can be organised by Wings, Region and the Corps. These can take place at RAF bases, camps and even abroad and tend to be longer activities than just a weekend, but the cadets get a lot out of it.
|
The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:
- To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
- To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
- To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship
|
|
The ATC Motto is:
'Venture Adventure' |
The Air Training Corps is the largest operator of the
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
Perhaps that's not so surprising when you learn that HRH Prince Philip is the ATC's Commodore-in-Chief, taking a keen interest in the organization and its members.
Air Cadets get the opportunity of flying in RAF and commercial aircraft - many progressing to achieve Flying Scholarships and their Private Pilots Licence (PPL).
The Corps, which has charitable status, is not a recruiting organization but many members do go on to have careers in the Royal Air Force, other Services or civilian life. Currently approximately 34% of all aircrew (pilots, navigators and NCO aircrew) and 20% of Officers are ex-Cadets.
|
