The ATC
Part of the Air Cadet Organization (ACO) which also includes RAF Sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Air Training Corps is a voluntary youth organization supported by the Royal Air Force.
With almost 53,000 members, aged from 13 to 18 years,
within over 1,000 Squadrons, the ATC is one of the country's
premier youth organizations and the world's largest youth air
training organization. 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
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 organization 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 organization but many members do go on to have careers in the Royal Air Force, other Services or civilian life. Currently approximately 50% of all aircrew (pilots, navigators and NCO aircrew) and 40% of Officers are ex-Cadets.