Royal Air Force Section

The general aim of the RAF Section is to stimulate interest in aviation and the RAF, whilst giving enjoyable experience of leadership and organisation.

RAF Section training concentrates on providing the necessary background to enable Cadets to make the most of their opportunity to participate in Air Experience Flights (AEF) in fixed-wing training aircraft. AEF takes place on weekdays with the permission of academic staff. Once in the air, Cadets can quickly gain enough confidence to take charge of the controls and fly by themselves and, in some cases, even attempt acrobatics. In addition there is also the occasional opportunity to experience gliding.

Initially, Cadets follow a training programme similar to the Army Section but, in their second year, Thursday afternoon activities involve studying aviation topics leading to an examination and, if successful, the award of Leading Cadet. All training is conducted by Senior Cadets, developing in them responsibility and self-confidence.

The two annual Field Days are used for visits that have recently included the Museum of Flight, near Haddington, and RAF Leuchars.

The highlight of the year is Summer Camp. This highly successful event is held on a working RAF station and always involves flying, shooting and leadership exercises. Cadets also have the chance to experience RAF life. Besides visits to work in the various sections, off-station visits are organised to local places of interest.

Individuals are regularly placed on gliding courses and Flying Scholarships may be awarded, both of these resulting in cadets reaching solo standard.