Classifications

First Class Cadet

Within their first three months of joining, new cadets will undertake an introductory course covering a range of subjects including the history of the Air Cadets, life in the Royal Air Force, drill, map reading and principles of flight. On completion of their initial training they will be awarded a First Class badge to wear on their uniform.

Leading Cadet

Having completed their First Class training, cadets will go on to study subjects covering airmanship, principles of flight and basic navigation in more depth before taking their exams. On passing, they will be awarded a Leading Cadet badge to wear on their uniform. 

Senior Cadet

For progression to Senior Cadet, cadets will study three subjects of their own choice from a selection that includes such areas as air navigation, aircraft handling, airframes, rocketry and satellite communications. On achieving a pass mark in their exams, they will be awarded the Senior Cadet badge to wear on their uniform.

Master Cadet

The final stage in the classification process, cadets will study a further three subjects of their choice from those not already chosen at Senior level. On achieving a pass mark in their exams, they will be awarded the Master Cadet badge to wear on their uniform. 

Experienced cadets over the age of 16 are eligible to undertake further training in the delivery of classroom instruction with a view to help delivering the Air Cadet syllabus to other cadets.

On successful completion of their course, Instructor Cadets are entitled to wear a yellow lanyard on their left shoulder.