The Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a voluntary youth organisation supported and parented by the Royal Air Force. It was established by Royal Warrant on 5th February 1941. Now with almost 35,000 members, aged from 13 to 20 years, with over 1,000 Squadrons nationally, the ATC is the Countries premier youth organisation and the World's largest youth air training organisation. The Cadets are supported by a volunteer Staff of nearly 10,000 plus 5,000 Civilian Committee Members.

The Aims of the Air Training Corps are:

  • To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
     
  • To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
     
  • To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship

     The ATC Banner                                                                                                                                                             The ATC Ensign

The ATC Motto is:

'Venture Adventure'

 

The Air Training Corps is the largest operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Perhaps that's not so surprising when you learn that HRH Prince Philip is the ATC's Commodore-in-Chief, taking a keen interest in the organisation and its members. Air Cadets get the opportunity of flying in RAF and commercial aircraft - many progressing to achieve Flying Scholarships and their Private Pilots Licence (PPL).

The Corps, which has charitable status, is not a recruiting organisation for the RAF but many members do go on to have careers in the Royal Air Force, other Services or civilian life. Currently approximately 60% of all aircrew (pilots, navigators and NCO aircrew) and 47% of Officers are ex-Cadets.

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