Being an air cadet opens up a wide range of opportunities, one of the biggest being the chance to fly! We strongly encourage all cadets to take part in Air Experience Flights also known as AEF. AEF is usually carried out in a GROB Tutor however, sometimes cadets get the opportunity to fly in other aircraft such as the Squirrel Helicopter, the Chinook Helicopter or even the new Euro Fighter Typhoon. Whilst AEF opportunities in aircraft other than the GROB Tutor are hard to come by, if you put in enough effort and attend as many activities as possible your chances of getting one of these unique experiences is increased greatly .

AEF instructors are all current or former RAF service pilots who volunteer to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm for flying to you. Flying takes place at one of 12 AEFs around the country, mainly at RAF stations. You're shown how the aircraft flies and given the chance to control it and experience aerobatics.

As well as AEF, cadets also get to take part in Air Experience Gliding (AEG). AEG is carried out in either the Viking T1 or the Vigilant T1, both of which are highly popular. The difference between the two being that one is powered for take off where as the other is launched via winch. When cadets go gliding they will undergo a Gliding Induction Course (GIC) and will then go on to doing more advanced manouvers such as aerobatics.

If you really enjoy flying and or gliding, and wish to take it further there are several other opportunities which we go into detail about below.

The first of these extended opportunities is a Gliding Scholarship, this course gets you deeper into flying and gives you more flight time. To be nominated for a Gliding Scholarship (GS) just let your squadron or unit staff know that you are interested. It's open to anyone over 16. Once you pass the standard medical check, it's just a matter of waiting for a place on the course to become available.

The other extended opportunity available is a Flying Scholarship, however these are a lot harder to come by, so the competition is tough! There are several scholarships available to air cadets each year. These are sponsored by the Royal Aero Club, the Air League Educational Trust, the RAF Charitable Trust, the Geoffrey DeHaviland Foundation, Babcock Defence Services, RAFA    and the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

For many cadets these courses are the stepping stone to their PPL - Private Pilots’ Licence - and potentially a career as a pilot with the RAF, the Royal Navy, Army or commercial airlines.