Academic Training Programme
When a young person joins the ATC, it is not just about Ranks, Uniform and Discipline, there is also an academic syllabus which the cadets must participate in. Each award of a level brings more advantages with it. All out exams are multiple choice.
As well as academic exams, the cadet does training in Citizenship, Drill and takes part in Projects, as well as Extra-Mural Activities (which includes; Gliding, Flying, Camps, Leadership Courses, etc...)
There are 5 levels of academic classification.
Second Class
Anyone who joins cadets and enrolls, automatically becomes a 2nd Class cadet. They are at the beginning of their training. They can not attend any RAF camps.
First Class Cadet
A First Class cadet has taken over 8 topics and passed the relevant examinations. These topics include:
- The Air Training Corps
- The Royal Air Force
- Basic Radio Communication
- Initial Expedition Training
- Basic Principles of Airmanship
- Map Reading
- History of Flight
Leading Cadet
A Leading cadet has taken 3 topics, these are:
- Principles of Flight
- Airmanship Knowledge
- Basic Navigation with Map & Compass
*(as long as they meet the age requirements)
Senior Cadet
A Senior cadet has taken 3 topics from the following list of topics:
- Air Craft Handling & Flying Techniques
- Air Power
- Piston Engine Propulsion
- Jet Engine Propulsion
- Rocketry
- Air Frames
- Avionics & Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Military Aircraft Systems
- Basic Air Navigation
- Basic Principles of Pilot Navigation
- Advanced Radio and Radar
- Data Communications
Master Cadet
To become a Master cadet, the cadet must pass 3 more exams from teh same list as for Senior, but obviously not the same exams! Also, the cadet must be a minimum of 16 years old.
Instructor Cadet
The cadet must complete the Cadet Method of Instruction Course and then they are assessed delivering a lesson in a training environment. The cadet must be a minimum of 16 years old to complete this level.