8 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets

15/10/2026

A shout out to Aviation Operations Wing, AAFC and the great work they do supporting our cadets!

What do we do?

Aviation Operations Wing (AOW) has the aim of delivering flying pathways to Air Force Cadets through gliding and powered flying experiences and training.

AOW’s Mission is: “To inspire and develop young people in an air and space environment to achieve and maximise their potential to contribute to Australia’s future success”.

Headquarters AOW offers opportunities for qualified staff to support operations in the fields of aviation governance, aviation safety, workplace health & safety, administration, personnel management and finance.

Whether it is through Pilot Experience Flight (PEX), Cadet Air Experience Flight (CAE) or Cadet Flying Training (CFT) AOW is here to support the mission of the Australian Air Force Cadets.

To find out more about the Powered Flying opportunities click https://www.airforcecadets.gov.au/what-we-do/training/aviation-experiences/powered-flying

AOW also provides gliding opportunities through its Gliding Training School (GTS). Stay tuned for a post on GTS operations in the very near future.

09/10/2026

Congratulations 1Wing - Australian Air Force Cadets

01/09/2026

XO 8 Wing, Squadron Leader (AAFC) David Milne with one of his former Army Cadets, NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro

24/08/2026

//8 WING Cadet and Instructor of the Year//

A huge congratulations to our 8WG Cadet of the Year, CFSGT Zara Cox and 8WG Instructor of the Year, PLTOFF(AAFC) Jordan Edelsten!

CFSGT Cox and PLTOFF(AAFC) Edelsten were formally awarded their commendations over the weekend, at the AAFC National Awards Ceremony, in Canberra. Pictured below with 8WG OC, WGCDR(AAFC) Loraine House.

Their continued hard work and dedication is truly remarkable; we are proud to have them representing 8 Wing and the Territory.

Incredibly well deserved, Congratulations!

01/08/2026

// PITCH BLACK OPEN DAY //

Awesome day on base for thousands of people. Thank you everyone that visited our stall and said hello.

We look forward to seeing new cadets and young aviators in the making from today's open day.

13/06/2026

🎖️ Celebrating Achievement Across 801 & 802 Squadrons 🎖️
On 21 May 2026, cadets from 801 and 802 Squadrons came together for a special presentation parade with the OC 8 Wing — recognising outstanding leadership, dedication and service within the Australian Air Force Cadets.

✨ Promotions to Cadet Flight Sergeant
Congratulations to CSGT Jonah Penny and CSGT Finbar Tran Mangan on their promotion to CFSGT. This achievement reflects their consistent leadership, maturity, teamwork and commitment to service, and their ability to mentor others while upholding the highest AAFC standards.

🌟 Cadet of the Year 2026 – CFSGT Zara Cox
CFSGT Cox was recognised for her exceptional dedication, drive and unwavering support of her squadron and Wing. She consistently demonstrates Respect, Excellence and Courage, setting the benchmark in dress, bearing, conduct and professionalism. A true role model for junior cadets.

🛩️ Instructor of the Year 2026 – PLTOFF(AAFC) Jordan Edelsten

Awarded for his outstanding contribution to cadet development across 8 Wing, including his work as Wing Aviation Liaison Officer. His passion for youth development, professionalism and commitment to providing meaningful aviation opportunities exemplify the AAFC values of Service and Excellence.

These achievements highlight the strength of our cadets and staff — young leaders and dedicated instructors who embody the spirit and values of the Australian Air Force Cadets every day.

👏 Congratulations to all recipients. Your hard work and leadership continue to inspire our Wing.

12/06/2026

11/06/2026

ADF Cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force proudly formed a 34‑cadet Guard of Honour at Government House in Darwin to celebrate the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

Led onto parade by WO1 RSM Bryan Duffy, the cadets delivered a Vice‑Regal Salute before His Honour the Honourable David Connolly inspected the Guard and spoke with cadets from each service.

Despite limited rehearsal time, the Guard showcased the values that define our youth development program — Respect, Excellence, Teamwork, Courage and Service — earning high praise from senior Defence representatives and guests, including 2026 King’s Birthday Honours recipients.

Cadets represented their units with professionalism throughout the ceremony and at the garden reception that followed, demonstrating confidence, discipline and pride in their service.

A rewarding experience for all involved — and a powerful example of the leadership potential fostered within ADF Cadets.

👏 Well done to every cadet and staff member who contributed to this outstanding display.

08/06/2026

Congratulations to 8 Wings Executive Officer, Squadron Leader (AAFC) David Milne, awarded an Order of Australia medal in today's King's Birthday celebrations. Recognised for his contributions in the youth space. SQNLDR(AAFC) Milne leads and instructs the 8 Wing band, who received considerable accolades for the skill and atmosphere they brought to the Darwin Anzac Day parade. David joined 8 Wing in 2023, having previously worked with Army Cadets and has been a key driver in coordinating joint activities across the services. We are very proud of all you do for 8 Wing. Australian Air Force Cadets

29/05/2026

WTSS Shoot

Last Tuesday, our Cadets had an awesome opportunity to take part in the Weapons Training Simulation System (WTSS) at Robertson Barracks, using the EF88 and testing out their skills alongside our friends from the Navy Cadets.

NORFORCE was sharing the facility with us before volunteering their NCOs to mentor and coach our Cadets in marksmanship throughout the evening.

We finished the night with an impressive demonstration from the soldiers on the F89 Minimi machine gun, with the Cadets watching on and learning more about its role and capabilities.