Squadron Activities

During your time as a cadet at the squadron you can participate in many different ATC activities, like flying, gliding, shooting, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, hill walking, radio exercises, camping, model-making and many sports - including netball, football, swimming, athletics and cross country

Air Experience Flying

Most Air Experience flying takes place in ATC gliders (Grob Vikings / Vigilants) and light powered aircraft (Grob Tutors) operated by Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) and Air Experience Flights (AEF). Most cadets get to fly at least once or twice a year. From time to time other opportunities for cadets to fly also come up.......... 

During 2001 some of our cadets enjoyed an air experience flight in a VC10 tanker from RAF Brize Norton out over the North Sea, courtesy of 10 squadron RAF.  One cadet sat on the flight deck for the take-off, and another during the landing. A bit different to a normal schoolday !  Some pictures taken during the flight can be seen below:

 And here are the happy aviators after the flight...

We also recently had two groups of cadets enjoy air experience flying in a Hercules transport aircraft from RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, courtesy of ex-425 cadet David Bedford. F/L Bedford was a senior Hercules captain at the time, and kindly arranged the visit. Each cadet was able to spend some time in the cockpit whilst we were airborne. Some pictures taken during the flights can be seen below.

Albert after the flight

Gliding

Cadets get the opportunity to fly in both conventional gliders and motor gliders. Below is a picture of the ATC Vigilant T MkI with a cadet from 425 squadron about to set off on an air experience flight over Shropshire. Some cadets also learn to fly gliders and motor gliders to solo standard, and a few become staff cadet instructors at a VGS - for example 633 Volunteer Gliding Squadron

Vigilant T MkI 

Strapped in and ready to go...

Below is a picture taken from the same aircraft on final approach into the airfield at Tern Hill.

Shooting

While in the squadron all cadets are given the opportunity to visit shooting ranges and fire a variety of different weapons - all under close supervision by fully trained adult range officers.

There are different badges which can be achieved for accurate shooting; ATC Marksman badge, RAF Marksman badge, and the Cadet Hundred badge.

<Scan in picture of badges>

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

During your time in the ATC, you are given the opportunity to be involved in the D of E award scheme. These awards are widely recognised, and make an excellent addition to any CV...  See our D of E page for more details.

Radio Operating

The ATC run HF (long distance) and VHF (short-distance) radio nets, and cadets can learn radio operating procedures and techniques. Once qualified cadets can use radio to contact other squadrons around the country, or to provide communications on squadron exercises, at local displays and shows. Annual national radio operating competitions are also held, which cadets from 425 sqn enjoy taking part in - and winning !!  See our Projects page for more details.

Model Making  [ To be added later ]

Hill Walking and Aircraft Wreck Research   [ To be added later ]

Swimming   [ To be added later ]

Football   [ To be added later ]

Visits   [ To be added later ]

Shows   [ To be added later ]

Parades - Remembrance Sunday   [ To be added later ]

Fund Raising   [ To be added later ]

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