What We Do

The Grob Tutor T1 over RAF Cranwell

Air Experience Flying

Every cadet gets the opportunity at least once a year to fly in a Grob Tutor T1 aircraft at an RAF Air Experience Flight (AEF).

These 2-seat, fully aerobatic training aircraft are provided and maintained by a civilian company, VT Aerospace, on behalf of the RAF, but are flown by serving and retired RAF pilots, many with thousands of operational flying hours in their logbooks. Click here to find out more about the Grob Tutor.

There are 13 AEFs around the country. 340 Squadron normally uses 6 AEF based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

There are three aims of Air Experience Flying (also abbreviated AEF): to put into practice the theory that's been learnt in the classroom; to learn something new about flying; and most importantly, to enjoy it!

Cadets enjoying a flight in a RAF
Griffin helicopter in Cyprus

After take-off, the pilot will normally hand control of the aircraft over to the cadet and teach them how to fly it. Most cadets ask to do aerobatics during their flights - a thrilling experience. Others just enjoy looking at the view and letting the pilot do all the flying. The choice is entirely upto the cadet - it's their flight.

Remember, too, that this flying is entirely FREE. Trial flights at civilian flying schools can cost upwards of £100!

A 340 Squadron cadet about to fly in an
RAF Tucano training aircraft

Opportunity Flying

As well as flying in the Grob Tutor, Air Cadets often get opportunity flights in other RAF aircraft. 340 Squadron cadets have flown in Hercules transport aircraft, air-to-air refuelling tankers and support helicopters in the past. Such flights usually take place on visits and camps to RAF stations. If deemed worthy enough, cadets can also fly in RAF fast jet aircraft.

Flying Scholarships and Bursaries

The view from the ramp of a Chinook
helicopter during a cadet air experience flight

There are a number of opportunities for Air Cadets to undertake additional flying training in light aircraft, microlights or gliders as part of flying scholarships and bursaries. Competitions for these are run by:

• The Air Cadet Pilot Scheme
• The Royal Air Forces Association
• The Air League
• The Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators

Some of these scholarships provide training to solo standard and others to the award of a pilot's licence!