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.  For example:

Mondays
• Supply 1800-2000
• Drone Club 1800-2000 (When needed)
• FTX Planning 1800-1930 (When needed)
• Extra’s 1800-2100 (As needed)

Tuesdays
• Special Ops 1 1800-1930
• Special Ops 2 1930-2100

Wednesdays
• Drill Team 1800-1930
• Flag Party Practice 1930-2030 (*Wednesday prior to CO’s Parade only)
• Effective Speaking 1800 – 2000 (October to March)

Fridays
• Range 1800-2100

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.

The squadron conducts a “Tag Day” fundraiser where we need parents to help with driving and chaperoning.

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

What do we have to pay?

There is an annual fee of $200 for the first cadet per family, $125 for the 2nd and $100 for the 3rd. This can be paid by e-transfer to 521aurorascc@gmail.com or a cheque can be made out the 521 Squadron Sponsoring Committee

Why do we have to pay this?

The BC Provincial Committee (BCPC) of the Air Cadet League of Canada – the regulatory body for Air Cadet Squadrons in BC – levies an annual assessment fee for every registered cadet. This fee is collected annually for new cadets during registration and for returning cadets on the first night back after summer stand down..

If a family is unable to pay the required fees are requested to speak with any member of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) so that the payment can be made without causing any undue financial strain.

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. Appropriate civilian clothing is acceptable for our fall and spring weekend survival exercises. However, should a Cadet want fatigues or other military surplus type attire and equipment it is the responsibility of the Cadet or parent to obtain this type of gear at their own expense. Cadets are also expected to use their own sleeping bag.

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, and the annual Squadron Mess Dinner.

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