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ABOUT
The
Squadron
What we do
Squadron history
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FAQ
Glossary
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FAQ
The following should help answer some of your
questions about 115 (Peterborough) Squadron.
If you can't find what you are
looking for here or through the other pages on this site, then please
contact us.
CADETS
How old must I be to join?
You must be 13 years old before you can join (no exceptions)
Do you accept girls?
Of course we do.
Do you really fly?
You bet we do!
You are eligible for flying once you have completed your basic training.
How often do I get to fly?
Each cadet should get at least one twenty five minute flight every year. But
this really depends on you.
How long is Basic Training?
Basic Training lasts approximately 25 weeks.
What about the discipline?
During your time as a member of the Air Training Corps, you wear the uniform
of the Royal Air Force, and are therefore bound by it's regulations
regarding dress, and conduct.
What does technical training consist of?
Technical training is instruction in the following subjects: Drill, the ATC,
the RAF, rifle training, camp craft, the history of flight, map reading,
aircraft navigation, communications, propulsion systems, airframes, aircraft
knowledge, and aircraft handling.
What does trade training consist of?
Trade training is specialisation in a particular discipline (just like in
the RAF) Communications, Modelling, Airframes, Simulator, Aircraft
recognition and
Regiment training are just some of the specialist trades available to cadets
after passing out of basic training.
Sounds great, how do I join?
The Squadron operates an intake system, and usually intakes in April and
October. You will join with other recruits, and become the Recruit
Training Flight.
Email us
to arrange a visit to the unit, and get your name on the waiting list.
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ADULTS
I am interested in helping
out.
Please go to this
page and please contact us.
Are you like the Territorial
Army?
No, the RAF equivalent of the TA is the Royal Air Force Auxiliary.
Our officers are commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
(Training) Branch [RAF VR(T)]
I would like to help,
but cannot give the commitment as an instructor.
We have a civilian committee who assist the squadron commander with funds
and support, we are always looking for the right people to join.
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PARENTS
How much is the uniform?
The uniform is provided free on loan after a probationary period.
How much does it cost?
Our subscriptions are currently £80 per year. Payable in advance in
January.
What if I can not afford it
because I am receiving state benefit?
We have a welfare fund to provide in times of hardship, no-one is excluded
because they cannot afford it.
What about school work?
Parade starts at 7pm, plenty of time to do homework. As far as we are
concerned, your school work comes first, just notify us if you are going to
be away for an extended period during exam time.
Do you meet during the school
holidays?
We meet all through the year, except bank holidays and a week off over the
Christmas and new year period.
Who runs the Air Cadets?
At the highest levels the ATC is controlled by the Ministry Of Defence, and
serving RAF officers. At regional, wing, and squadron level, the ATC is run
by RAFR Officers, RAFVR(T) officers, ATC Adult SNCO's, and Civilian Instructors. All of
these people give up their spare time to run the ATC.
What about the security and
safety of our son/daughter?
All staff are vetted by the Criminal Reference Bureau and the Ministry of
Defence before they are accepted on a term of engagement. (Renewable
every four years)
All activities must be supervised and controlled by someone who has a
relevant experience and in most cases is qualified. For example,
Canoeing requires a British Canoe Union Instructor Qualification, Shooting
requires an Army Land range qualification, Hill walking requires a Basic
Expedition Leader Award, or similar experience, Mountain trekking requires a
Mountain Leader Award. The safety of all members of the squadron is our
highest priority.
Am I expected to get
involved?
Not directly. If your son or daughter is selected for an activity away from
the squadron for which we, or the ACO do not provide transport, you are
expected to provide transport. This is not very often. All we ask is that
you take an interest in their chosen activity and support their squadron
when we have a parents evening or other activity. If you wish to help as an
instructor, please click
here.
How much commitment is
expected from my son/daughter?
They will get out of the Air Cadets what they put in. To get the best, they
really need to parade twice a week, and get involved with weekend
activities. Basic Training requires continuous attendance for the duration
of the course as so much is squeezed into a short period of time.
Are you a recruiting
organisation for the Royal Air Force?
We used to be a long time ago, but please read our aims. 47% of all RAF
officers and 51% of all Air-Crew are ex-Air Cadets.
Do you provide transport to
and from the squadron on a parade night?
No we do not, it is your responsibility to get your son or daughter safely
to and from the head quarters.
What do you hope to achieve?
At the end of the day when a cadet leaves Peterborough squadron, we hope to
have produced a person with a sense of social responsibility, to have
induced self confidence, self reliance, and self discipline, all in all we
hope to have achieved some, if not all of our aims
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