There are a number of different 'CLASSIFICATIONS' cadets go through during their time in the Air Training Corps. Each classification represents a different academic level. Below is a description of each classification, how you earn it, and other infomation on the academic/training side of the ATC.

Click below to read about each Air Cadet Classification or the Rank Structure:

1st Class /  Leading  /  Senior  /  Staff /  Ranks

1st Class

The first classifications cadets reach on joining a squadron is 'FIRST CLASS'.  On a cadets       enrollment to a squadron, they begin the biggest academic syllabus they will encounter while in the Air Training Corps. After being issued with ACPs (Air Cadet Publications,  a form of text book for the cadet), they begin lessons on a whole variety of subjects.

These Include:
-Aimanship (Whats on an Airfield, working around aircraft)
-Radio (How to use it securely)
-Rifle (Safety and Basic Firing techniques)
-The ATC (History of the ATC)
-The Raf (History of the RAF)
-HIstory of Flight
-Map Reading
-Initial Expedition Training (Camping outdoors and hiking)

Cadets training for First Class will be able to take exams on a squadron night, when they feel ready, using a exam computer system. This means they will know, as soon as they finish a test, if they have passed.                            

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Leading

Leading is the 2nd classification. 'To be eligible to sit the Leading Cadet examinations, a cadet must have been appointed as a First Class Cadet and have completed the appropriate syllabus training including at least 25 hours of project work.' (aircadets.org, 2006)

888 (Oldbury) Squadron have a number of projects that cadets can take part in, to fill the 25 hours required project work. These can be seen HERE.

The two subjects for Leading are:
- Airmanship 2 (A more indepth look at airfields, and also certain types of aircraft.
-Principles Of Flight (How an aircraft actually flies.)

Unlike 1st Class, exams are taken on a set date. The exam is a multiple choice paper, and is externally marked.

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Senior

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Staff

Staff is different to other classifications as it is split  into two parts, both of which have to be completed to gain the classification.

Part 1.

As with leading and senior, 25 hours further project work is to be completed, along with another two externally marked exam papers. The subjects studied are:
-Advanced Radio And Radar (An extremely detailed look at how radio and radar technology works)
- Air Navigation (Navigation while in an aircraft, including how to judge distance and flying time, and how weather affects these.)

Part 2.

To complete the Staff Cadet Training syllabus, a cadet must also have:

A.  Reached the age of at least 15 years 6 months.
B. Completed at least 2 years enrolled service.
C. Attended at least one Corps annual camp.
E.Completed the First Class Shot Test within the last 12 months.
F. Attended an ACP 42 (Staff Part 2)  course at Wing HQ.
G. Attended a Techniques Of Instruction (TOI) Course at Wing HQ.

Once all the above have been completed, a cadet is awarded a yellow lanyard to wear on the left shoulder, to show all other cadets and staff they have completed the academic side of the ATC. They are now also expected to help in the general running of their squadron, and possibly wing.

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