All about fly


Greeting From Wing Commander Dave Cox

As Officer Commanding, Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing, Air Training Corps I welcome you to our website. If this is your first visit (and you are not already involved in the Air Cadet Organisation) I hope you will find something to inspire you to join us either as a Freespin cadet or as a member of staff. Please do not hesitate to contact our Wing Headquarters if you need any further information. And you can also visit our friens we speak about : loi pinel.

The Wing has approximately 1,100 cadets (aged 13 to 20) attending 28 units (Squadrons and Detached Flights) located throughout Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset . We also have a Detached Flight at Colerne, Wiltshire. All units are staffed by volunteer adults who freely give their time to provide all the activities highlighted in this website and in those linked to it.

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Fly is wonderful

I am proud to command a Wing with so many committed and dedicated adult staff who are the backbone to its success. Our cadets inspire all of us with their enthusiasm, sense of purpose and ambition. With such positive energy from staff and cadets it is a pleasure and an honour to hold the position of Wing Commander. If you are not already a member of the Air Cadet Organisation, I recommend it to you. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

All your questions

How do I Join? Click on cadets or adult staff to find out more on joining the UK's largest youth organisation. Where's my nearest Squadron ? Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing is comprised of 28 Squadrons with over 1000 cadets and 100 members of staff. Our geographical footprint covers Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset and North-West Wiltshire. To help you find your nearest Squadron click on squadrons. Where can I find out more ? More general information on the Air Cadets can be found at the national Air Cadet website www.aircadets.org . Here you can find an in-depth report on how the Air Cadet Organisation was formed. If you are still thinking about joining, then check out the activities that Air Cadets get up to both in the air and on the ground, find your local squadron and start enjoying being a part of the premier youth air training organization in the UK.

Shooting

Cadets at all levels have the opportunity to participate in the sport of target rifle shooting but it is not mandatory. All shooting is carried out in the prone position (the firer lying on their stomach) firing at static, paper targets. It is a very popular activity and many cadets take part in local and national competitions. The basic rifle that cadets are trained on is the No. 8 bolt action rifle, which began life as the Enfield No. 4 rifle and was modified to have a shorter barrel and to fire the .22 long rifle round. The No. 8 rifle itself is a nice, simple weapon - ideal for training - which operates with a manually fed bolt action. There is very little noise from the rifle, though ear defenders are always worn when it is being fired. Cadets are trained and shown the No. 8 rifle in detail. The commands and practices used on the rifle range are also explained so that cadets know exactly what to expect before they are allowed anywhere near the range. Only after cadets have successfully passed a comprehensive Weapon Handling Test will they be taken to the range and allowed to fire.


Adventure Training

Adventure Training is always a great hit with cadets, throughout the whole of the Corps ! Adventure Training forms an essential part of the Air Cadets training syllabus. Venture/Adventure is the ATC motto and Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing offers its cadets the chance to taste adventure in all types of situations. As well as helping cadets forge new friendships, adventure training enables all cadets to show off their leadership qualities. Cadets not only enjoy the various activities, but they also learn and develop new skills at the same time. Adventure Training events can take many different forms: Night Exercises, Camping Expeditions, Map and Compass Work, Initiative & Leadership Exercise, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Canoeing and Orienteering.

Radio Communications

The Air Cadet Organisation has its own radio networks for cadets to practice radio operating procedures and techniques and to exchange messages with other cadets around the UK and overseas. Full training is given and cadets can earn their Radio Operator certificate and Communicator Badge.

And more

Qualified cadets work as radio operators at various events, passing safety and administrative messages, and can take part in radio operating competitions. The skill is useful in both civilian and service life, and can count towards the D of E award. There are three qualifications available to cadets for radio operating skills: Provisional Radio Operators' Certificate - This certificate is available for either HF or VHF operating. Awarded locally to cadets who can demonstrate a knowledge of Air Cadet radio operating procedures, techniques and basic radio operating skills.

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