WHO WE ARE

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RC(Air)C) mission, aims and objectives have changed over the many years from the time of War II to the timeof peace.  The aims of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RC(Air)C) are to develop in youth, between the ages of 12-18, the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, and to stimulate the interest of youth in the air activities (i.e.: Flying, Gliding, Navigation, Airport Operations, Aircraft Identification), and many other activities (i.e.: Drill, First Aid, Sports, Survival, Music, Marksmanship, Community Service) of the Canadian Forces. Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RC(Air)Cs participate in a variety of fun activities, and all this achieved in a challenging, yet disciplined environment.

In addition, the Air Cadet Program develops Air Cadets social, decision-making, leadership skills as well as Canadian history, democracy and community service.  Every Air Cadet will have the chance to participate in flight activities, and some top senior cadets may even earn a scholarship to obtain their private pilot’s licence. Whether earning a glider pilot licence or private pilot licence, these cadets wear their wings with a pride rarely found in today’s youth. As Air Cadets acquire skills and knowledge, they pass it along to younger cadets…To Learn…To Serve…To Advance.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RC(Air)C) are NOT members of the Canadian Forces. However, the Air Cadet Program is sponsored by the Department of National Defence in partnership with the Air Cadet League of Canada. Today, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RC(Air)C) organization has a membership of approximately 23,000 in 456 squadrons; and together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, forms the largest federally funded youth program in Canada. Since the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RC(Air)C) came into being in April 1941, close to one million young Canadians have participated in the training program. It is estimated that in one way or another, 500,000 Canadians are involved in the Air Cadet Movement today.