11F Brooklands ATC • The 11F Air Cadet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)

These questions & answers are based on the questions we are most regularly asked. If you have questions not covered here, then please contact us and we will be happy to help. How old must my son or daughter be to join the ATC? Is there a maximum age for ATC cadets? Does the ATC accept both boys and girls? How much does joining the ATC cost? Do I have to pay for the ATC/Air Cadets uniform? How many ATC uniforms are there? How much do the Squadron activities cost? On which nights does the Squadron meet?
How old must my son or daughter be to join the ATC?
Cadets must be 13 to join a local Squadron. For insurance reasons 13 really does mean 13 despite some potential cadets being keen to join earlier. Sadly the Corps is unable to have cadets who have not reached their 13th birthday, no matter how keen they might be. Cadets cannot join after their 17th birthday, although typically cadets join aged 13-15.
Is there a maximum age for ATC cadets?
Cadets must leave on their 18th birthday unless they have reached the rank of Cadet Sergeant or above, in which case they can continue until their 20th birthday. Many transfer at age 20 from being a senior cadet to becoming a Civilian or even uniformed instructor. Adult members of the ATC, be they Civilian or uniformed, can start on their 20th birthday, consequently, things need not come to an end once the maximum cadet age of 20 is reached.
Does the ATC accept both boys and girls?
Yes, the Air Training Corps is open to both boys and girls. The skills learned are equally useful to both and certainly the grins after the flying events are equally wide.
How much does joining the ATC cost?
Each Squadron is run by a local civilian management committee, usually made up of parents of cadets. The subscriptions are set by the local committee and will be based on the costs of running the Squadron. Consequently there is no fixed universal fee - different Squadron's may have slightly differing costs. Currently at 11F Brooklands Squadron we ask for �80 Per Year, less then �1 per parade night.
Do I have to pay for the ATC uniform?
No. Cadets receive two and sometimes three uniforms which are provided free-of-charge and which are returnable in good condition. However, note that we are not able to provide 'greens' (Number 3 uniform) and so a cadet may need to provide their own 'greens' (obtainable from a local Army Surplus store) in this case. Typically cadets do not receive uniform until they are due to be formally enrolled in the ATC.
How many ATC uniforms are there?
Each cadet will receive their uniforms before their enrolment and will wear their 'Number 1s' for the enrolment ceremony itself (which parents can usually watch). Each cadet will receive two and sometimes three uniforms: Number 1 - formal RAF-style uniform for parades such as Remembrance Day parade Number 2 - informal RAF-style uniform for most evening parades Number 3 - army-style 'combat greens' used for field activities (cannot always be provided) Not all Squadrons have access to 'greens' (Number 3 uniform) and so a cadet may need to provide their own 'greens' (obtainable from a local Army Surplus store) in this case.
How much do the Squadron activities cost?
Most activities are free - or at least included in the Squadron subscriptions. So shooting, gliding, flying, sports and other activities are usually all provided free. There may be exceptions. For instance, we often take the cadets caving, or on expeditions, which can sometimes encure an extra cost.
On which nights does the Squadron meet?
The Squadron is open for regular parade nights on Monday and Thursday from 19:00 to 21:30