209 Squadron Activities

Parade Nights

We hold parade nights on Monday and Thursday each week from 1900 to around 2115. Each evening consists of two halves with a break in between for refreshments. The activities we do on a parade night vary greatly however common ones include sport, model making, drill, lessons, as well as numerous friendly competitions and of course the ever popular night exercises.

Cadet Training

At the squadron headquarters, cadets are taught various technical aviation subjects. They also learn practical skills such as shooting (lead by qualified instructors), model making, first aid, and also become involved in project work.

Cadets initially join as Probationers, which gives them some time to find out whether they are really interested in the ATC. When enrolled (at a minimum age of 13 years 3 months) they become a Second Class Cadet and continue training on the First Class Cadet syllabus. Having passed the First Class Cadet Examination, they continue training to become a Leading Cadet, and then a Senior Cadet. The final stage of training leads to the Staff Cadet qualification. They are then ready, under the supervision of the Squadron Officers, SNCO's and Civilian adult staff to assist with squadron administration, to instruct younger cadets and to assume responsibility for various activities at Squadron Headquarters. They may also help at the Gliding schools and AEFs as Staff Cadets. This qualification is easily recognized by a distinctive yellow lanyard.

Shooting

After enrollment and passing Weapon's Handling Test, cadets can use .22" calibre target rifles (no. 8 rifle). Target shooting takes place at the ocal TA Centers and also at the station range at RAF Wittering.  If your shooting is of a sufficiently high standard, then you will be awarded the Marksman's badges.

Once .22-qualified, having passed the First Class examination and on reaching 14 years old, cadets can be trained to fire the Cadet GP Rifle (L98), a single shot version of the infantry assault rifle (SA80). This has more power, as your shoulder and ears will notice (although of course we use ear defenders). 

Flying

The Corps has its own fleet of aircraft for the purpose of providing Air Experience Flights (AEF) to cadets. We go to RAF Cranwell (near Grantham) for our AEFs. Each cadet will get an opportunity to go flying at least once a year, and will be able to take the controls. Your instructor (all are qualified RAF instructors) may also give you the opportunity to enjoy some aerobatics - sick bags provided!

As well as these AEFs, cadets will usually get opportunities to fly in operational aircraft when they attend annual camps. 

There are also a number of flying scholarships awarded each year. These enable cadets to be trained as a pilot, at a civilian flying school receiving up to 30 hours dual instruction and solo flying. On completion the cadets are awarded the RAF Flying Scholarship Badge.

Gliding

Once cadets have been enrolled they are eligible for the chance to visit an Air Cadets Volunteer Gliding School to experience glider flying. Cadets may also apply for further glider training courses, often run over a series of weekends. They will be taught everything they need to enable them to go solo. They will get the opportunity to go solo before they can legally drive a car !! Cadets are not obliged to go solo, and are only allowed to do so having completed several perfect check-flights when an instructor accompanies them but just observes. We go to RAF Syerston (on the A46 between Bingham and Newark) for our gliding with 644 (RAF) Gliding School.

Sports

We participate in a wide range of sports at many different levels. On the squadron, we play anything from volleyball, to football and rounders. We also make regular trips to local sports facilities including a swimming pool and the national Water Sports Centre.

As well as squadron sports, cadets will all have the opportunity to participate at a higher level representing their squadron, Wing, Region or even the entire ATC against other major clubs. The main sports which are played competitively are football, hockey, rugby, swimming, cross country and athletics. 

B TEC

The Air Training Corps provides academic training for all involved cadets. As a certified BTEC provider cadets can achieve BTEC's in Aviation Studies and Public Services.

Click here to go to 209 Squadron's BTEC web page for more details

Camps

Having passed the first class examination, cadets are eligible to attend the Squadron's annual camp. This usually takes place for one weeks on an RAF station, during Summer or Easter holidays. During a camp week, cadets see how the RAF lives and works and they receive a variety of practical training, combined into a first class holiday. When they reach the age of 15, and are Leading Cadet or above, they can qualify for camps on RAF Stations overseas.

As well as the Annual Camp, there are many other opportunities for time away with the cadets. Often, a one off camp will be advertised, for instance a D of E expedition or Adventure Training Camp, which usually involves spending a week on a military training area, taking part in exercises, both day and night, and other field activities such as shooting on gallery (outdoor) ranges. These camps are always good fun and worth watching out for.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young people aged 14-25.

The Award programme consists of three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each have differing criteria for entry and the level of achievement necessary to complete each award.

Air Cadets who meet the age criteria can join the award scheme.

Each award is broken down into 4 areas (5 for gold) which participants must complete successfully to receive their award. These are:-

Service
Helping others in the local community.

Expeditions
Training for, and planning of a journey.

Skills
Demonstrate ability in almost any hobby, skill or interest

Physical Recreation
Sport, dance and fitness.

Residential Project
(Gold Award only) A purposeful enterprise with young people not previously known to the participant.

The Award is widely recognised by employers as it helps demonstrate that award holders are keen to take on new challenges, have a higher level of self confidence than their counterparts, have leadership qualities with the added experience of teamwork.

Click below for further information

Excursions and other Activities

As well as our many camps, we often organise other excursions and activities, mainly just for a bit of fun, although some do have a military and aviation theme. 

Airport and Aircraft Visits

Being local to Nottingham East Midlands, we get invited to visit the airfield looking at different aspects of the airfield operation.

Last year we spent an evening looking around the bmibaby Hangar and visited the Flight Deck of a B737 and and A321 Airbus aircraft.

Archery

July 17th 2006 saw the first visit of the Wilford Bowmen. 18 cadets and staff were all given the opportunity to try out archery. The Wilford Bowmen Club is the local Archery Club based only a mile from Squadron Headquarters. After initial training on how to hold and load the bows, the cadets each had a go at the targets.  Some of the cadets got to grips with it quickly while others probably need a little more practice.  Everyone enjoyed the evening and the Bowmen will be invited back again to HQ.