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Tuesday 6:45pm - 9:30pm Thursday 6:45pm - 9:30pm

473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC

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473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC

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Military Youth Organisation For 12-20 Year Old's, which offers a very wide variety of experiences, including Flying, Gliding, Shooting and Sports.

28/10/2026

🛩️ Air Experience Flying at 11AEF 🛩️

Earlier today, Cadet Flounders, Cadet Nielsen and Cadet Banyer took to the skies of North Yorkshire (for the first time!) as part of their visit to 11 Air Experience Flying based at RAF Leeming!

All three Cadets undertook the relevant safety drills, inclusive of how to operate a parachute in the event of an emergency, with the aim of getting airborne in the Grob Tutor Aircraft

We are pleased to say that the weather held off, and all Cadets were able to experience their very first flight, with Cadet Flounders even getting to dabble in a bit of aerobatics!

Well done - hopefully the first of many flights within the RAFAC!

Commandant Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets

23/10/2026

🌍 From the RAFAC to the RAF 🌍

Back in July of this year, we said a fond farewell to one of our senior cadets, Cadet Sergeant Millie Donnelly, as she was set to depart for Royal Air Force Halton, to embark on her 10 week Basic Recruit Training Course! (BRTC)

The BRTC provides 10 weeks of basic training to any non-commissioned RAF recruit, with the intention of transitioning them from a ‘civilian’ to a member of the Royal Air Force!

Training is focused over a number of key topics; General Service, Force Development and Initial Force Protection leading to Excercise Blue Warrior and then eventually graduation!

AS2 Donnelly successfully completed the course and graduated on the 21st October in front of proud friends and family!

AS2 Donnelly will now embark on phase 2 training, an 8 month training course held at the Defence Medical Academy Lichfield, to train to be an RAF Medic

Miss Donnelly is a fine example of how the RAFAC can not only prepare you for life in the military, but also, help develop you into a contributing member of society!

Fantastic achievement, and a first for the Squadron in many years!

“Graduation was unbelievable - such a special day and something I’ll never forget”

Commandant Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets

19/10/2026

🏊 Inter-Squadron Swimming Competition 🏊‍♀️

Last weekend, Sergeant Hails and Cadets Wilkinson, Coulson, Nielsen and Kharyton headed north, destined for Morpeth’s Sport and Leisure Centre to partake in the annual Inter-Squadron Swimming Competition

The Squadron brought home 3 medals, with Sergeant Hails achieving x2 silver medals in freestyle and breaststroke, and 1 Bronze Medal in freestyle for Cadet Wilkinson, with an overall placing of 3rd in the Senior Girls Category!

A fantastic effort from all - well done!

25/09/2026

🙋‍♂️Cadet Case Studies - Part 4 🙋‍♀️

Continuing our ‘Cadet Case Studies’ postings, we meet Cadet Isla Flounders, a Cadet who is relatively new to the RAFAC, however, seems to be grabbing every opportunity with both hands!

“I’m a 13 year old Cadet and I joined around 11 months ago, hoping to gain a greater insight into the RAF and aviation in general, make friends and make the most out of every night and event I attend.

For the longest time I’ve always dreamed of working in the aviation industry. It has and always will be a set goal of mine and then I asked my dad one day if I could join the RAF Air Cadets, the only problem was I had to wait nearly 2 years before I was old enough then eventually last year in September 2025 I came down for my first night and just listening to the introduction, I knew I was going to stay!

RAF Air Cadets over this past year has taught me so much more than just the Royal Air Force. It’s opened my eyes to new things, new amazing people and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I’ve built up confidence, and been taught valuable skills that I’ll carry for life throughout cadets and in the future.

A valuable highlight from a few months ago was when I did my first ever presentation, I’ve always loved talking to people but I never imagined that I’d be standing, giving out a presentation infront of a room full of other cadets but as nerve wracking as it may have seemed it came naturally to me and pushed me to step out of my bubble and get myself heard and for that I am massively proud of myself.

I have also had a strong passion for sports so I’ve taken every opportunity available, to represent my squadron whether it’s track, fielding events and even archery.

There are Camps and Flying, Sports and Parades which are just a few of the many opportunities open to cadets and which I’m hoping to be a part of myself!

Cadets is a place where you can learn, grow and thrive in an environment like no other!
When I first joined I never would of imagined some of the opportunities and experiences that you can be apart of, I’ve made friendships with cadets from different squadrons and areas that will stay with me for as long as I’ll know!”

Well done Miss Flounders - a fantastic start to your cadet career!

If the above is something that would interest you / your son or daughter - please register your interest in our upcoming recruitment event by messaging the page, held on Tuesday 06th October!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets

20/09/2026

🥾 Bronze DofE Assessed Expedition 🥾

Over the weekend, CWO Watts and CPL Mcnally have been trekking through the hills of Teesdale as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessed Expedition!

To preface, the expedition section of the Bronze DofE Award entails a 2 day, 1 night hike, inclusive of a camp, where a small team are self reliant, cooking their own meals and navigating their own route

With both Cadets having completed this section, their focus now is to complete their Physical, Volunteering and Skills section of the award

Brilliant effort!

You may be thinking spending a weekend hiking presents enough challenges within itself, both Cadets have managed this whilst spending a weekend being supervised by our very own SGT Henry - no mean feat! Keep an eye on this page to hear about the shiny new qualification that the Sergeant has earned over the weekend!

If the above is something that would interest you / your son or daughter - please register your interest in our upcoming recruitment event by messaging the page, held on Tuesday 06th October!

19/09/2026

👂5 Reasons to Join the RAFAC👂

Given our upcoming recruitment event on the 06th October, we thought it fitting to detail a number of reasons as to why any young person should consider joining us here at 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron!

1. To simply make memories - the RAFAC can offer you experiences in which you otherwise wouldn’t have experienced, leading to an increase in self belief, confidence and personal development

2. To strengthen your CV - only a small percentage of young people can state on their CV that they have demonstrated commitment, responsibility, teamwork and leadership. Our Cadets are within that small percentile

3. To explore career options - our Squadron regularly engages in Educational Visits, be that within Aviation, Engineering, Emergency Services or an any branch of the Armed Forces. A number of Cadets have set their sights on a career path as a direct result of said visits

4. To make friends - we pride ourselves on creating an environment that is inclusive, warm and welcoming, meaning that friendships are formed from day 1 of your Cadet Career

5. To have fun - as you can see from the below photo, our Cadets are always smiling, whilst still developing qualities within the Drill, Dress and Discipline bracket

If the above is something that would interest you / your son or daughter - please register your interest in our upcoming recruitment event by messaging the page, held on Tuesday 06th October!

14/09/2026

🛫 Annual Camp at RAF Waddington 🚒

Over the course of each year, the RAF welcomes a number of Cadets and CFAV to their Stations through Annual Camps

An Annual Camp provides the Cadets with an insight into what life is like on an RAF Base, it gives them opportunities to speak with Regular Service Personel and to visit Squadrons on base, but above all, it provides the Cadets a chance to have FUN!

Corporal Mcnally has recently returned following spending a week at RAF Waddington, where she had the opportunity to sit in a Red Arrow, engage with service personnel regarding their service and careers, visit the International Bomber Command Centre and visit Newark Air Museum, to name a few

CPL Mcnally stated “I’ve made great memories and even friends for life, thank you for the opportunity”

Well done CPL!

If the above is something that would interest you / your son or daughter - please register your interest in our upcoming recruitment event by messaging the page, held on Tuesday 06th October!

13/09/2026

🚨 WE ARE RECRUITING 🚨

Our Recruitment Open Evening is fast approaching (Tuesday 06th October) and we’d love to be able to inform you of what it is exactly we do within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets!

If you’re aged between 12 - 17, we’d love to hear from you!

A presentation from our Officer Commanding, testimonies from our current Cadets and a question and answer session supported by our Training Officer will provide you with the knowledge / information needed to decide whether the RAFAC is the correct Organisation for you!

Potential Cadets & Parents / Guardians welcome!

Message the page to register your interest!

You may even be provided with free hot beverages and a snack 👀

27/08/2026

🛬 National Air and Space Camp 2026 🛰️

CWO Watts, SGT Moore and CPL Swales have recently returned from RAF Syerston having participated in this years National Air and Space Camp (NASC)!

NASC provides a unique opportunity for over 400 Cadets and 150 Staff to network and partake in a number of air, space and cyber focused activities throughout the week!

Activities included: Flying, Gliding, STEM, Drones, Engineering, Educational Visits, Robotics and much more!

They even managed to sneak a cheeky selfie with Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Lewis…

A thoroughly enjoyable week had by all!

If the above is something that would interest you / your son or daughter - please register your interest in our upcoming recruitment event on Tuesday 06th October, by messaging the page!

25/08/2026

🙋‍♂️ Cadet Case Studies - Part 3 🙋‍♀️

The third post in our ‘Cadet Case Studies’ Series highlights Cadet Sergeant Violet Hails - see below for an insight into why she joined the RAFAC!

“I joined the RAFAC in April 2024 when I was 14, I’m now a 17 year old Cadet Sergeant, responsible for providing leadership and guidance to those my junior.

I originally joined the RAFAC as I wanted to pursue a career in the RAF, however, I quickly discovered that the RAFAC offers so much more than just exposing you to what life is like in the RAF - It’s pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me build confidence and given me qualifications and skills that I’ll carry with me for life, inclusive of first aid. Most importantly, it has provided me with experiences and opportunities I never thought I would have had!

One of my biggest passions in cadets is sports. I lead sports nights on squadron and organise teams for competitions. This has given me the opportunity to represent Durham & Northumberland Wing in athletics twice which is something that I’m incredibly proud of.

Another highlight of my cadet career has been becoming the first ever Mayor’s Cadet of Hartlepool. During this role, I’ve attended events and services across the town, including the Children’s Remembrance Day Parade, Commonwealth Day and the Town’s Remembrance Day Parade.

From camps and climbing to sports and flying, there really is something for everyone. The friendships and bonds I’ve made along the way will remain with me for decades to come

Whether you already have your sights set on a career in the RAF or simply want to try something new, make friends, build confidence and challenge yourself — the RAFAC could be the place for you.

If the above is something that would interest you / your son or daughter - please register your interest in our upcoming recruitment event on Tuesday 06th October, by messaging the page!

Address

ATC HQ, RFCA Centre, Easington Road
Hartlepool
TS248JY

Opening Hours

Tuesday	6:45pm - 9:30pm
Thursday	6:45pm - 9:30pm

Website

https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/

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