North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets

31/08/2026

Excellent work - let’s see if we can replicate this in the other wings and get the kit in play! Well done to the Cumbria and Lancashire Wing STEM team

23/08/2026

Day 1 at RAF Waddington ✈️

And we’re off! Cadets from across North Region have arrived at RAF Waddington for this year’s Multi Activity Camp.

With accommodation sorted and everyone settled in, it was time to get to know the people they’ll be spending the week with. The afternoon was filled with a round robin of fun get-to-know-you activities, with plenty of teamwork, competition and a few new friendships already forming.

Now it’s time for dinner before the week really gets going!

We’ll be bringing you regular updates throughout the week over on our Stories, so make sure you’re following along to see what our cadets get up to at RAF Waddington, home of the Red Arrows. ✈️🇬🇧



Commandant Air Cadets Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets South & West Yorkshire Wing Central & East Yorkshire Wing RAFAC Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets

17/08/2026

Wow! A busy week across the Corps... but how many North Region squadrons can you spot? 🤔

16/08/2026

Gold Cyber Specialists 💻

A huge congratulations to Cpl Shay Patel, Chorley Air Cadets - 92 Sqn RAFAC, and Cpl Sophia Cullen, 1913 Knotty Ash Squadron - Royal Air Force Air Cadets, who have both successfully completed the Gold Advanced Cyber Specialist Award at RAF Cosford.

The pair were among 16 cadets taking on the challenging course, which included hands-on networking and cyber security tasks, theory and a final exam. They also completed their Bronze Cyber Instructor training, giving them the skills to help other cadets develop their own cyber knowledge.

Cpl Patel said:

“The Gold Cyber Course at RAF Cosford was a challenging, yet fun course, where myself and 15 other cadets completed the advanced cyber specialist award. Throughout the course, we had to complete hands-on tasks involving networking and cyber security, as well as learn theory content for the final exam. My personal favourite part was the Bronze Instructor training and the Thursday night pizza party! In the future I hope to train more cadets with the silver and bronze cyber awards so they can progress to do this course. I would also like to give many thanks to the staff that ran this course as it was a wonderful camp where I learnt a lot.”

Well done Shay and Sophia! We can't wait to see how you put your new skills into action across Cumbria and Lancashire Wing, Merseyside Wing Air Cadets and North Region!

13/08/2026

Did someone say an extra 28 UCAS points? 👀

Information about 2027 applications coming soon

Extended Project Qualification (Air, Space and Cyber Focus) Success!

RAFAC cadets are continuing to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with this year's results highlighting both dedication and excellence.

An impressive 33% of participating cadets achieved either an A* or A grade, earning 28 and 24 UCAS points respectively. These valuable qualifications can make a significant contribution to university applications, helping young people access higher education and pursue ambitious future careers as well as helping to develop additional interests, knowledge, and skills.

The Air, Space and Cyber-focused EPQ challenges cadets to undertake an independent research project in their own time which is linked to the RAFAC training programme. Supported by taught elements and the guidance of volunteer mentors, participants develop critical thinking, research, planning and presentation skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

The overall results were particularly encouraging, with 66% of cadets achieving grades between A* and B, and an outstanding 92% pass rate across the programme. These achievements reflect not only the commitment of the cadets themselves, but also the dedication of the volunteers and staff who support them throughout the qualification.

The EPQ continues to provide RAFAC cadets with an exceptional opportunity to explore subjects of personal interest while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. The success of this year's cohort is a testament to the ambition, resilience and academic potential of young people across the organisation.

Good luck to all cadets receiving their Level 3 qualification results today.

Cadet enrolment information for 2027 will be advertised shortly.

13/08/2026

Just 10 days to go! ✈️

North Region cadets are getting ready to head to RAF Waddington for the second Super Camp of the year.

Last year at RAF Leeming, cadets were treated to an unforgettable visit from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, who parachuted into camp before meeting our cadets.

With RAF Waddington being home to the RAF Red Arrows, we’re expecting plenty more exciting experiences this year. We can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Keep an eye on our socials for camp updates! 📷



Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets RAF Air Cadets Senior Volunteer Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets

10/08/2026

Get ready for one of the most incredible and rare cosmic events!

On Wednesday 12th August 2026, the Moon is going to slide right in front of the Sun causing a partial solar eclipse. From here in North Region, the Moon will block out up to 96% of the Sun, depending where you are. That means early in the evening between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, the sky will darken, and the Sun will turn into a glowing, fiery crescent!

And what's more, just a few hours after the eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak. Meaning you have a good chance of seeing brilliant lights shooting by in the sky for a two-in-one celestial evening!

Remember... Avoid looking directly at the sun during the eclipse, as it can cause permanent eye damage. During a partial eclipse, the reduced brightness can cause pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful ultraviolet light to reach the retina.

Regular sunglasses do not offer enough protection. Instead, you should use certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard or watch the event via an official livestream.

Parents are also advised to supervise children closely.

The eclipse's visibility will depend on the weather.

08/08/2026

Sad news from South & West Yorkshire Wing. Our thoughts are with Wg Cdr Moss' family and friends

07/08/2026

Leeming Super Camp 2026

Over the summer, RAF Leeming opens its gates to nearly 360 cadets for four back-to-back weeks of Super Camps, delivering an action-packed programme designed to immerse cadets in life in the Royal Air Force.

The opening week saw 87 cadets from across North Region descend on the station, immediately thrown into a packed schedule of training and adventure. Saturday began with weapon handling training and testing, swiftly followed by a full day on the ranges.

From Monday, attention shifted to the RAF experience itself, with cadets visiting some of RAF Leeming’s most vital units. Highlights included:

* 11 Squadron QAAF and its BAE Hawk T2 aircraft, where cadets were given exclusive tours by pilots and instructors.
* Air Traffic Control and 90 Signals Unit, offering an inside look at the technology, teamwork and precision behind RAF operations.

* 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, where cadets visited an operational RAF Regiment section to gain an insight into the role of RAF Force Protection, including the equipment, vehicles and responsibilities of those protecting RAF personnel and assets.
* Hawker Hunter Aviation, where cadets toured historic hangars and came face-to-face with the iconic Hawker Hunter jet.

Beyond the RAF immersion, cadets tackled leadership tasks, STEM challenges, archery, paintballing and training with 642 Aviation Ground School on state-of-the-art simulators. Off-station visits included York Air Museum and outdoor adventure training.

However, perhaps the highlight of the week was putting the “Air” into Air Cadets. With support from 9 & 11 Air Experience Flight, cadets experienced their very first flight in an RAF Grob Tutor. For many, this meant taking control of an aircraft for the first time and even sampling aerobatics high over North Yorkshire. Cadets were also given the opportunity to go gliding at RAF Topcliffe with 645 VGS.

Later in the week they met and chatted with RAF Leeming’s Station Commander, Group Captain John “Geordie” Lawson, who took the time to speak with cadets about his career, leadership and opportunities within the Royal Air Force.

With another three weeks of Super Camps still to come, hundreds more cadets will have the opportunity to experience everything RAF Leeming has to offer, creating memories and inspiring the next generation of aviators, engineers and RAF personnel.

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets
Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
642 Aerospace Ground School
645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron
Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets

07/08/2026

Leadership isn't about rank. It's about taking responsibility, supporting others and leading by example.

Every day across North Region, cadets are given opportunities to step outside their comfort zone. Whether they're organising activities, mentoring younger cadets or leading a team exercise, they're developing skills that will stay with them long after they leave the organisation.

These are the experiences that build confidence for school, university, employment and everyday life.

What leadership lesson has RAFAC taught you?