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‘𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒’ 𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐒! 🏆

A huge congratulations to 13 of our junior cadets from our most recent intake who have successfully passed their First Class Cadet Classification! This is the first major milestone in their RAF Air Cadets journey, demonstrating their commitment and enthusiasm for training.

Through a structured syllabus, they have developed knowledge in key areas, including:

✅ The RAF & Air Cadets Structure – Understanding how the organisation operates and their place within it.
✅ History of Flight & Aircraft Recognition – Learning about aviation history and identifying different aircraft.
✅ Airmanship & Basic Radio Communications – Developing essential skills for working in an air environment.
✅ Drill & Uniform Standards – Maintaining high personal standards and teamwork through parade drill.

By achieving First Class Cadet, they now have access to a wide range of exciting opportunities, including:

🔹 Flying & Gliding Experiences – The chance to take to the skies in RAF aircraft.
🔹 Fieldcraft Training – Learning practical military skills in an outdoor environment.
🔹 Shooting & Marksmanship Training – Developing weapon handling and accuracy skills.
🔹 Participation in Camps & Events – Access to RAF station visits, leadership courses, and adventure training.

This is just the beginning of their journey, and we look forward to seeing them progress even further—well done to all! 👏

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖 ‘𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆’ 𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐒! 🏆

Congratulations to seven of our cadets who have successfully completed their Leading Cadet Classification Training! This important milestone in their RAF Air Cadets journey demonstrates their growing knowledge and skills in key areas of aviation and military studies.

To achieve this classification, cadets undertook training and assessments in:

✅ Airmanship Knowledge – Understanding aviation principles, aircraft operations, and airfield procedures.
✅ Principles of Flight – Learning how aircraft generate lift, control surfaces work, and the science behind flight.
✅ Basic Navigation – Developing skills in reading maps, using bearings, and planning routes.
✅ RAF Operations & History – Gaining insight into the role of the RAF, its structure, and its historical significance.

Achieving Leading Cadet opens up further opportunities, including advanced training, leadership roles, and progression towards Senior Cadet. Well done to all involved—your hard work and commitment have paid off!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐃𝐔𝐊𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐇’𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 🏆

Congratulations to Corporal Kieren O’Keefe on successfully completing his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)! This prestigious achievement reflects months of dedication, resilience, and commitment across four key sections:

✅ Volunteering – Giving back to the community through service
✅ Physical – Improving fitness and well-being
✅ Skills – Developing a new ability or honing an existing one
✅ Expedition – Completing a self-sufficient journey, navigating and camping in the great outdoors

The DofE Award is an essential part of the RAF Air Cadets experience, helping cadets build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Corporal O’Keefe’s hard work has paid off, and we look forward to seeing him take on the Silver Award next!

Well done! 👏

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 🏊

A huge well done to 13 of our junior cadets who have successfully passed their Basic Swimming Competency Assessment at Consett Leisure Centre! This important test ensures that cadets have the fundamental water skills and confidence required within the RAF Air Cadets.

To pass the assessment, each cadet had to:
✅ Swim 50 metres confidently without stopping
✅ Tread water for two minutes
✅ Exit the pool safely without using steps
✅ Demonstrate controlled breathing and water confidence throughout

This qualification is vital for cadets who wish to take part in water-based activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and raft building, ensuring they have the necessary ability to stay safe and react appropriately in open water environments. By achieving this milestone, these cadets have taken the first step toward exciting opportunities in adventurous training!

Well done to all involved, and we look forward to seeing them progress further!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐈𝐃 🩹

Well done to five of our junior cadets who have successfully earned their Essential First Aid Badges! Through hands-on training, they have gained vital lifesaving skills, including CPR, wound treatment, and how to respond in emergency situations.

This training forms an important part of their development within the RAF Air Cadets, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to assist others when needed.

A big thank you to our instructors for delivering this important training—we look forward to seeing these cadets progress to higher first aid qualifications in the future!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓 🎯

Congratulations to four of our cadets who have successfully achieved their Blue Trained Shot Badges after completing live firing training. This qualification demonstrates their ability to handle and fire a rifle safely and accurately, an important skill within the RAF Air Cadets.

Under the guidance of qualified range staff, the cadets learned essential principles of marksmanship, including safe weapon handling, firing positions, and target engagement. Their dedication and focus have paid off, and they now join the growing number of cadets who have earned this prestigious badge.

Well done to all involved—we look forward to seeing them progress to higher marksmanship levels! 🎯

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐅 𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄 🛫

Recently, our cadets had the opportunity to complete their first gliding experience with @645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at RAF Topcliffe. They took to the skies in the Grob Viking T1 glider, learning the basics of unpowered flight and gaining valuable hands-on experience in aviation.

Under the instruction of experienced VGS pilots, cadets were introduced to essential gliding techniques, including launch procedures, basic controls, and landing approaches. This experience forms an important part of their aviation training within the RAF Air Cadets.

A big thank you to the team at 645 VGS for making this training possible. We look forward to seeing our cadets continue their progression in the air! ✈️

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 🛫

Last weekend, cadets from 1409 Squadron attended the 642 Astra Ground School at RAF Leeming to participate in Bronze Wings Training.

The training covered essential topics, including the principles of flight, navigation techniques, and airmanship. These foundational skills are crucial for cadets working towards their Bronze Wings qualification.

This opportunity provided valuable insight into aviation theory and practical knowledge, helping cadets progress in their training and development within the Air Training Corps.

We appreciate the support from 642 Astra Squadron and RAF Leeming for facilitating this educational experience.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝟏𝟒𝟎𝟗! 🎖️

It’s with great pride that we announce the following promotions at 1409 (Consett) Squadron over the past few weeks.

These cadets have consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment throughout their time with us, and we’re excited to see them take on new responsibilities within the squadron.

👏 Cdt Rose – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹
👏 Cdt Pears – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹
👏 Cdt Pearce – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹
👏 Sgt Severs – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁

Each of these cadets has shown great growth in their leadership abilities, teamwork, and personal development. Now in the rank of Corporal, Cpl Rose, Cpl Pears, and Cpl Pearce will take on new roles guiding and mentoring fellow cadets, while Sgt Severs, now promoted to Flight Sergeant, will take on an even greater leadership responsibility, continuing to inspire and support the squadron.

FS Severs also received her Senior cadet classification, well done!

These promotions reflect not only the hard work of the cadets but also the values and skills they embody: commitment, discipline, and teamwork. We look forward to seeing you all thrive in these new roles!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP