Fieldcraft

Cadets are trained in fieldcraft as a main part of what we do. Put simply, it gives you the skills to survive and live in comfoft outside of a familiar environment.

We are trained by people who have served in the armed forces or have a strong interest in passing on these skills to cadets. As a result, we receive training close to that which RAF personnel receive.

Fieldcraft is about working as a team to be very organised; sorting food, navigation and routines. This comes in useful when we take part in camps on military training areas.

Shooting

Think you can concentrate on distant targets and fire with consistent accuracy?

We’ll teach you to handle a variety of weapons safely. Firing is always done lying on your stomach (the prone position) at static targets. Progress through the course and you'll experience different types of weapons and could even take part in shooting competitions if you really prove your skills.

Safety is our top priority. To start with you'll be firing at targets that are fairly close - around 25m away. As you advance through weapons and your skill builds, you will fire at targets 100m or more away.

Cadet NCOs

After some experience as a cadet you may be promoted to the rank of Corporal. Further on lie the ranks of Sergant, Flight Sergant and Cadet Warrant Officer.

Cadet NCOs (non-comissioned officers) play an important role in the squadron, organising cadets and activities.

They are trained in leadership, discipline and drill so they can lead and pass on skills to cadets.

Duke of Edinburgh

DofE aims 'to inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development, and recognise their achievements'.

It's not a walk in the park. You'll get your DofE Award through persistence and commitment - but as an Air Cadet you'll already know all about that. Over time you'll develop personally and welcome each new challenge. At the end of it all you'll have the world’s leading achievement award for young people under your belt, recognised by employers and universities alike.

For more information visit www.dofe.org

Duke of Edinburgh

It's great to do DofE with us. Not only do we have dedicated staff who keep your progress up-to-date, but most of the activites you take part in as a cadet counts towards the DofE award.

This means you'll fly through the different levels of award and we aim for most of our cadets to achieve Gold level, which is awarded at a royal palace.

Participation in the DofE award with us is voluntary, although most cadets choose to comlpete their award with us.

Flying and Gliding

Joining the Air Cadets opens up lots of opportunities, including the chance to fly! It’s our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as a passenger in a light aircraft, a glider or even on-board RAF aircraft such as our Typhoon fast-jet or a Chinook helicopter.

There are plenty of opportunities for cadets to get in the air. Air Experience Flights could even see you take to the skies in a Grob Tutor light aircraft.

Flying and Gliding

Imagine floating along thermal air currents with just the sound of wind rushing past your aircraft. You're over 2,000ft in the air and you have the controls of an 8 metre long aircraft in your hands. It's a buzz, and one of the biggest reasons our cadets join up.

The aircraft we use allow your first steps to flying to be totally exhilarating. They're an integral part of the cadet experience, designed to get you trained, confident and ready for solo flying. If you have a talent for flying we'll spot it.

Flying and Gliding

Air Experience Flight (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. And the views from 3,000ft are stunning.

AEF flights are flown in the Grob Tutor light aircraft. 2137 Lymm squadron fly from RAF Woodvale, near Formby.

Flying and Gliding

Your gliding experience kicks off at a Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) flying either Vigilant motor gliders or Viking winch-launch gliders. Your focus, along with others from your ATC squadron or CCF (RAF) unit, will be to complete the Gliding Induction Course (GIC).

You've done your Gliding Induction Course (GIC), so what's next? Getting your Gliding Scholarship Wings.

Show the necessary aptitude and you could be invited to progress to solo standard and even achieve your silver GS wings for flying solo!

Sport

Feeling competitive? As an air cadet you can take part in seven main sports at different levels - athletics, cross country, football, rugby, hockey, netball and swimming. Whatever you do it'll help improve your physical fitness levels and your team skills. If you're good enough at your favourite sport we'll notice, and can help you take it to the next level.

Lymm squadron runs loads of different sport activities. These could include 5-a-side, table tennis, volleyball, racquet sports or many others. You'll be playing for fun but we'll encourage you to unleash your competitive side. Don't worry if you don't think sport is your strength.