.jpg)
Information for Parents/Guardians
As a parent you're bound to have lots of questions about the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and what your child will be doing when they become a member. This site should give you a comprehensive overview of the activities they undertake and the expectations that we have of them. Below are some of the most common questions we get from parents, but if there is something we haven't covered you can contact us and we'd pleased to help you with any enquiries you might have.
How much does it cost?
Our program is supported partially by the Department of National Defence which helps to keep costs down. There is no registration fee at our Squadron when a Cadet joins and we do not charge a fee for cadets to participate in any of mandatory activities or optional teams (music, drill and flying scholarship). This does, however, require that our Cadets actively participate in fundraising activities throughout the year, as about half of our budget comes from donations/fundraisers. Cadets are issued a uniform free of charge, but are asked to pay for the name tag for their Ceremonial Dress Uniform ($3.50 each).
​
Cadets selected for Summer Training Courses (except for International Exchanges) do not have to pay for transportation, housing or meals. They will in fact receive a training bonus of between $60 - $360 depending the duration of the course. Older Cadets have the opportunity to work during the summer as Staff Cadets and enjoy the same benefits, but with pay that ranges between $3,200 - $4,900 depending on their rank and position.
At what age can my son or daughter join?
They can join as soon as they are 12 years old. Cadets who join at an older age (14 +) can be accelerated to the Second Year training program. When a Cadet reached 19 years of age they can no longer be a cadet, but can decide to continue assisting the program as an adult as either a Civilian Volunteer, Civilian Instructor or Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer. Many of our adult instructors started off as Cadets themselves.
Are they expected to join the military?
No. Although the Air Cadets receives some funding from the Department of National Defence, we are not a recruiting organization for the military. While some cadets do choose to join the military, the training provided by the Cadet program is held in high regard by civilian employers too and there is no pressure on cadets to consider a military career.
How much time will they have to give each week?
Typically our Cadets attend mandatory training on Tuesday evenings which is about 2.5 hours, and 1-2 days of training during the weekend per month. Cadets are expected to attend mandatory training nights and mandatory weekend training activities. Attendance at such events plays a significant role in determining which cadets will be selected for summer training, promotions, leadership positions or awards.
Our Squadron also offers optional training such as drill, flying scholarship and music during the week. Cadets who participate in these activities understand that they are committing to attend these activities regularly.
Can they learn to fly?
Yes. Each training year our Cadets are given the opportunity to participate in Glider Familiarization Flights. Additionally, older cadets (16 + years of age) are given the opportunity to compete for a spot on the Glider Scholarship or Power Pilot Scholarship courses conducted during the summer, where they can qualify for a pilot's licence. However, this requires a significant level of commitment as cadets as the selection process is highly competitive.
Who leads and supervises Air Cadets?
Air Cadets are supervised primarily by Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers. These officers are reservists in the Canadian Armed Forces who are trained and employed by the Department of National Defence specifically as youth leaders responsible for the training, administration and supervision of cadets. They are supported by Civilian Instructors and on occasion by Canadian Armed Forces members from the Primary Reserve or Regular Forces. All of these individuals are required to have had criminal records checks to work with young people and are fully qualified in the activities they're involved in.