One of the main differences that Air cadets have over the other services cadets is the addition of 'Classifications' as well as ranks.

Where as a rank is awarded to a cadet by the staff, a classification is EARNT by the cadet by passing exams in aviation related subjects. These subjects you will encounter are listed below with the classifications.

NOTE: Click the Subject to be taken to the manual located on the Air Cadet web site.

Air Cadet Classifications

Second Class Cadet No Badge You start off your cadet life as a "Second Class" Cadet when you first join and will have "up-to" 3 months (although if you are comitted it can take only 4 weeks) of training in all of the basics that you need to know in order for you to safley take part in day to day Cadet activities and gain the most from them.

First Class Cadet After your 'First Class' exam you become a First Class cadet and are now treated as a fully active member of the Air Training Corps. You are now able to attend activities and events off Sqn such as, Flying, Gliding, Shooting, Camp etc. Subjects Studied Include: The Air Training Corps The Royal Air Force Initial Expedition Training Map Reading History of Flight Airmanship 1

Leading Cadet     Subjects Studied: Basic Navigation Principles Of Flight Airmanship 2

Senior Cadet     For both Senior and Staff cadet level you make a choice of 2 of the following to study at each level. Subjects Studied: Air Navigation Pilot Navigation Propulsion Airframes Operational Flying Advanced Radio & Radar Satellite Communications

Staff Cadet     In order to get your final classification as a Staff cadet, as well as passing an exam you have to: Been appointed as a Senior Cadet. Reached the age of at least 15 years 6 months. Completed at least 2 years enrolled service. Attended at least one Corps annual camp. Completed the Staff Cadet syllabus including approved citizenship training and a further 25 hours (or more) of project training. Completed the First Class Shot Test within the last 12 months. You then have to sit a formal interview/review/test with a Wing Staff officer. If and only if you pass this interview will you finally make it as a Staff Cadet and be entitled to remove your Senior badge and replace it with the Yellow Lanyard of a staff cadet. As a staff cadet you are expected to start "putting something back" into the sqn. This is normally in the form of helping the staff with admin tasks and helping the NCO's teach the younger cadets. Subjects Studied: 2 out of the list shown for Senior Cadet.