1140 (Steyning) Squadron Air Training Corps

"The Phoenix Squadron"

[Home]  [About Us]  [How to Join (Cadet)]  [Flying]  [Gliding]  [Adventure Training]  [Duke of Edinburgh's Award]  [Annual Camp]  [Useful Links]    [Latest News]  [Triathlon]  [Shooting]  [Aeronautical Studies]  [Uniform]  [Ranks]  [How to Join (Staff)]  [Sqns in Sussex]  [Sports]  [Archive News] 

Aeronautical Studies

In order for cadets to progress in the ATC is it vital that they attain different levels in our aeronautical studies syllabus.  As well as giving cadets an understanding of how things work, passing certain levels within the syllabus allows a cadet to take part in other activities (such as overseas camps).

1^st Class Cadet

The 1^st class cadet training provides a cadet with all the basic information they need to know to go flying, to an RAF station, to go to camp, how to recognise and address officers and basic rifle training.   Passing the 1^st class cadet exam opens the doors to the rest of the ATC.

The subjects tested at 1^st class cadet level are:

§          The Air Training Corps

§          Map Reading

§          Airmanship I

§          Basic Radio Communications

§          The Royal Air Force

§          The Rifle

§          History of Flight

§          Initial Expedition Training

On completion of the exam the cadet is awarded a badge to be worn on their brassard.

Leading Cadet

The Leading cadet classification introduces the cadets to more technical subjects.  The map reading learnt at 1^st class cadet level extends into basic navigation and teaches the cadet much more about navigation.

The subjects tested at leading cadet level are:

§          Basic Navigation

§          Airmanship II

§          Principles of Flight

On completion of the exam the cadet is awarded a badge to be worn on their brassard.

Senior Cadet

At senior (and staff) cadet level the subjects become much more technical but by now a cadet is 15 years old or older.

The subjects tested at senior cadet level are (any two subjects from):

§          Air Navigation

§          Aircraft Handling

§          Advanced Radio & Radar

§          Propulsion

On completion of the exam the cadet is awarded a badge to be worn on their brassard.

Staff Cadet

At staff cadet level the subjects are of the same technical level as for senior cadet. 

The subjects tested at staff cadet level are (any two subjects from):

§          Pilot Navigation

§          Operational Flying

§          Satellite Communications

§          Airframes

After passing the exam at staff cadet level, cadets are required to pass an interview with a Wing Staff Officer (usually a Squadron Leader).  Cadets will be tested on their knowledge of the Corps, their Wing and Squadron and will then be observed teaching a class.

On completion of the exam the cadet is award a yellow lanyard to be worn on their left shoulder.

(Note that the subjects at Senior and Staff cadet levels are interchangeable.  For instance, a cadet could choose to study both Air and Pilot Navigation for their Senior cadet exam.  However, the way the subjects are listed reflects the Squadrons preferred way of structuring the syllabus).

Syllabus Themes

The aeronautical pursuits syllabus has a number of themes running through it.  The principal themes and the subjects associated with that theme are listed below.