521 Aurora Squadron
Royal Canadian Air Cadets

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you or someone you know thinking of joining Air Cadets? Below are a few of the more common questions we receive from prospective cadet families. If you have any other questions, please contact us!

When do the Cadets train?

Mandatory regular training takes place on Thursdays between 1800 and 2130 hours (6:00 – 9:30p.m.).  Additional training depends on which optional activities a cadet is involved in. 

Air Cadets are also invited to participate in occasional day trips (gliding and flying etc) and overnight weekend training (field training exercises (FTX)).

Will Air Cadet training detract from school?

Not likely.  The instruction is designed to supplement your school studies and education, in fact, high school credits are available to grade 10, 11 and 12 students for completing air cadet training levels 3, 4, and 5 and for summer training courses.

Parent/Guardian Commitments?

Parental involvement is essential to the squadron’s success. At the very least we would like parents to stop into HQ on a regular basis at the end of Thursday night training sessions. CO’s Parade Nights are excellent nights to do this.  Parental involvement is vital to the success of the program and your membership is strongly recommended.

Finally, you are encouraged to become a Squadron Sponsoring Committee Member and, if you have the time, lend your unique skills as a member of the Board of Directors. We are constantly on the lookout for:

• ACCOUNTANTS
• BOOKKEEPERS
• EVENT PLANNERS
• PARENT DRIVERS
• WEBSITE / GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Who supplies the training and training equipment?

Training is provided by the squadron officers, and civilian and volunteer instructors who are all screened by DND. DND also supplies most of the equipment to operate the programs. The Squadron Sponsoring Committee supplies funding, through cadet fundraising activities, to supplement DND training and purchase additional equipment for the squadron, as well as, paying for the facility.

Where do we get the uniforms from?

DND supplies cadets with a full uniform at no cost, as well as any clothing items that might be required for summer training sessions.

Are there any other costs?

Other than pocket money that may be required when cadets are on a trip there are two or three occasions when cadets are asked for payment, including, but not limited to the squadron and personal photo if they wish to have one.

 

This is an unofficial cadet website that is not intended to represent in any way the policies or procedures of either the Department of National Defense, the Canadian Armed Forces or the Cadet Leagues of Canada. This is not a Canadian Armed Forces website. The website is maintained on behalf of the Squadron Local Committee for the Squadron.