Air Cadet FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

Joining & Eligibility

  • Youth can join Air Cadets once they have reached their 12th birthday. Cadets may remain in the program until they turn 19 years old.

    Eligibility details are outlined on the Is Air Cadets Right For Our Family page.

  • No experience is required. Most cadets join with no background in aviation, flying, camping, or military style programs. Training starts at the beginner level.

  • No. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces and are not required or expected to join later.

    The program introduces cadets to Canadian military traditions and careers, but it is a youth development program, not a recruiting program.

  • Cadets are primarily led by senior cadets, which is an important part of learning leadership.

    They are supervised and instructed by:

    • Officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC), a branch of the Canadian Armed Forces trained specifically to work with youth

    • Screened Civilian Volunteers who support specific activities such as band, marksmanship, or administration

Weekly Training and Attendance

  • Regular parade night is:

    • Thursday evenings

    • 6:15 pm to 9:15 pm

    • G20 building, Vernon Military Camp (How to Get Here)

    Details are always posted on the Calendar page.

  • A normal training night includes:

    • Opening parade and announcements

    • Classroom and hands on training

    • Drill, fitness, or team activities

    • Closing parade and dismissal

  • Most Thursday nights, cadets should bring:

    • A notebook and pen or pencil

    • A refillable water bottle

    • Any items listed on the calendar or announced on parade

    Once uniforms are issued, cadets are expected to arrive in the correct dress for the night - please check the Uniform and Calendar page.

  • Reporting absences

    If your cadet will be absent from a Thursday parade night or an activity they have signed up for, please:

    • Call or text the Squadron cell at 250 309 9490, and

    • Leave a message with your cadet’s name and the reason for their absence

    Regular communication helps staff plan training and make sure cadets stay on track.

Uniforms and Dress

  • No. Cadet uniforms are issued on loan at no cost.

    Cadets are responsible for:

    • Wearing the uniform correctly

    • Keeping it clean and neat

    • Returning it when it no longer fits or when they leave the program

    Full details are on the Uniforms page.

  • Until uniforms are issued, cadets should wear:

    • Clean, comfortable civilian clothing

    • Closed toe shoes

    • No ripped clothing or offensive logos

  • Please check the Calendar for the correct dress for that particular day and check the Uniform page for more details.

Flying & Aviation Training

  • Yes. Air Cadets have real flying opportunities.

    Cadets may participate in:

    • Glider familiarization flights

    • Powered aircraft familiarization flights

    Flying opportunities depend on weather, availability, and scheduling.

  • Flying opportunities vary each year. Generally:

    • Most cadets experience gliding at least once during their cadet career

    • Powered familiarization flights may occur one or more times per year

    Details are shared through the Calendar and on parade nights.

  • ligible cadets can apply for Glider Pilot or Power Pilot Scholarships during summer training.

    Successful cadets may earn:

    • A Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence

    • Or a Transport Canada Private Pilot Licence

    More information is available on the Summer Training page.

Other Activities

  • Are there activities besides Thursday nights?

    Yes. Cadets may choose to join optional activities such as:

    These are optional and scheduled in addition to regular parade nights.

  • An FTX is a weekend or day activity focused on outdoor and survival skills such as:

    • Navigation

    • Shelter building

    • Fire safety

    • Teamwork and leadership

    FTXs are listed on the Calendar .

Costs, Fees, and Fundraising

  • The core program is publicly funded, and uniforms are provided at no cost.

    However, there are local costs that are not covered nationally. To help with this, families are asked to:

    Details are explained here >

  • Assessment fees ($150/year) help cover:

    • Local facility and insurance costs

    • Awards and recognition

    • Extra equipment and supplies

    • Support for activities like band, drill, and marksmanship

    • Provincial costs such as glider maintenance and insurance

    No cadet is turned away if a family cannot pay. Families are encouraged to speak confidentially with the squadron or SSC Chair.

  • The Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) is a registered charity run by cadet parents.

    The SSC supports the squadron financially and administratively where national funding does not cover local needs.

    More details are on the Monthly Parent Meetings (SSC) page.

  • No. Only five parents serve on the SSC Board.

    However, all parents are welcome and encouraged to attend Monthly Parent Meetings, even if they do not want a formal role.

  • Parent meetings are held:

    • First Thursday of each month

    • September through June

    • 6:30 pm at G20

    Meeting dates are posted on the Calendar.

Summer Training and Pay

  • Cadets who attend qualifying summer training may receive a training allocation, paid per training day, directly to the cadet.

    Cadets do not get paid for regular weekly training.

  • Summer training opportunities are earned, not automatic.

    Cadets are selected based on a combination of:

    • Regular attendance at Thursday parade nights and required activities

    • Positive attitude and good conduct

    • Effort and participation during the training year

    • Meeting course prerequisites, such as age, rank, or medical requirements

    • Recommendations from squadron staff, based on overall performance

    Some courses, such as flying scholarships, also require:

    • Passing a medical examination

    • Passing written exams or ground school

    • Meeting national selection standards

    Not every cadet will attend summer training every year, and different courses have different eligibility requirements. Staff review applications annually and selections are made through national and provincial processes.

    Cadets are encouraged to focus on showing up, trying their best, and being a good teammate, as these habits open the door to more opportunities over time.

    For more details, have your cadet ask their chain of command.

Acronyms and More

    • SSC – Squadron Sponsoring Committee

    • DND – Department of National Defence

    • CAF – Canadian Armed Forces

    • CIC – Cadet Instructors Cadre

    • FTX – Field Training Exercise

    • ACR – Annual Ceremonial Review

    • G20 – The building number where 223 Red Lion parades

    • BCPC – British Columbia Provincial Committee (Air Cadet League)

  • If you cannot find what you are looking for:

    You are also welcome to contact the squadron using the details on footer of this website.