 Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of questions that are frequently asked by potential new recruits. Hopefully we have covered most them here!
Any questions not covered here? Feel free to contact us and ask!
• Where & when do you meet?
1254 Squadron Air Training Corps
Hallam Road
Farncombe
Godalming
Surrey
GU7 3HW
View directions at Multimap
Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 19.00hrs to 21.30hrs
• Who can join?
The Air Training Corps is open to young men and women from the age of 13 upwards. Although the upper age is 18, the oldest realistic age to join would be your 17th birthday.
• How can I join?
You would be very welcome to visit during one of our regular scheduled evening parades. There's no obligation. Come and find out more by discussing the Air Training Corps with one of our leaders. You could also ask some cadets what they think, and don't be surprised if you find that you already know some of them. You might like to bring a parent, as they have probably got a few questions too!
• How big is 1254 Squadron?
We have around 30 Cadets, though we are always looking to expand and could potentially have many more. You'll get to know everyone quite quickly, so we think our Squadron is is a good place to make new friends.
• How much does it cost to be a Cadet?
The Air Training Corps costs only about a pound a week! Where else could you get the opportunity to participate in exciting activities such as having a go at flying a plane for so little? The ATC is sponsored by the RAF, as they are keen to promote an interest in aviation. Uniform is provided for free. Sometimes, there are additional activities such as a whole weekend of shooting where a charge applies, though it is always very small and good value for money.
• Do I have to buy my own camping equipment etc?
We supply everything you need. However, you are very welcome to purchase any extra approved equipment if you prefer. Most of our Cadets take a great interest and pride in their equipment and like to purchase extra items for activities such as camping, but you will be under no pressure to do so. We will always ensure you are not short of what you need.
• What if I join but don't like it?
Not a problem - you don't have to make a commitment to stay for any length of time - you can leave at any stage, though we are sure you won't want to!
• How safe are the activities like shooting & flying?
All of our activities are supervised by qualified staff and safety is paramount. We take safety and the welfare of all Cadets and Staff very seriously. There is no obligation to undertake any particular activities and of course parental consent is sought for each category of activity and is a pre-requisite to participation.
• Do I have to attend every meeting?
No. It's not like school, or being in the Services - attendance is not compulsory. There will be times you can't make it - we understand this, however regular attendance is necessary to ensure you get the most out of the ATC.
We appreciate that homework is more important, and at examination time, cadets can arrange “study leave”. Please let us know.
• What are my responsibilities as a parent?
One of the key objectives of the ATC is to develop and encourage a personal level of responsibility in our Cadets that all parent's would be proud of. However, we are aware that all of our Cadets remain legal minors for the duration of their time with us and that outside of our direct responsibility they remain the responsibility of their parent(s) or legal guardians.
Please be aware a small minority of cadets tell their parents they are coming to the unit, and then go elsewhere. It is your responsibility to know they are attending, and indeed that they want to attend. It is also your responsibility to get them safely to and from the unit.
We will make contact with you if we have not seen your son or daughter for a protracted period, so please make sure we know if you are going away on a long holiday.
We parade all through the year, except for bank holidays, and the Christmas period. Notice of this is given to cadets.
If you have any doubts regarding the meeting times of our Squadron, or the attendance of your son/daughter, please don't hesitate to phone or email us.
• I have another question . . .
Any questions not covered here, or on the rest of our site?
Feel free to contact us and ask!
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