473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC

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

🛬 National Air and Space Camp 2026 🛰️CWO Watts, SGT Moore and CPL Swales have recently returned from RAF Syerston having...
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!

🙋‍♂️ Cadet Case Studies - Part 3 🙋‍♀️The third post in our ‘Cadet Case Studies’ Series highlights Cadet Sergeant Violet ...
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!

🎯 473 on Target 🏹Yesterday evening had seen the Squadron run the first of a number of planned archery sessions in prepar...
19/08/2026

🎯 473 on Target 🏹

Yesterday evening had seen the Squadron run the first of a number of planned archery sessions in preparation for the upcoming Inter-Squadron Archery Competiton!

Archery is not only a great activity as it promotes healthy competition within the Squadron, but also, as it builds extreme mental focus, teaches patience through repetition and of course, increases physical strength!

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!

🌾 Bronze Fieldcraft Course 🌲A huge congratulations to our very own CPL Goodhew who, this weekend, travelled to RAF Boulm...
16/08/2026

🌾 Bronze Fieldcraft Course 🌲

A huge congratulations to our very own CPL Goodhew who, this weekend, travelled to RAF Boulmer to partake in a Bronze Fieldcraft Course!

A number of topics were covered throughout the duration of the weekend, ranging from Field Signals and Judging Distance to Range Cards and the Duty of a Sentry!

We are pleased to announce that Miss Goodhew successfully completed the course and is now the only Cadet to have done so currently within our Squadron!

Well done CPL!

🙋‍♂️ Cadet Case Studies - Part 2 🙋‍♀️“My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner”Part 2 of the above focuses on Cadet W...
12/08/2026

🙋‍♂️ Cadet Case Studies - Part 2 🙋‍♀️

“My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner”

Part 2 of the above focuses on Cadet Wilkinson, a relatively new Cadet, having only been with us for 4 months!

“I joined the RAF Air Cadets in April 2026, just before my 17th birthday. I joined with the intention of experiencing a public/military environment, explore whether the military could be a future career pathway, and gain valuable experience, skills and qualifications to aid with my future employability skills

Despite only being a Cadet for a short time, I’ve already achieved more than I expected - to name a few:

- Qualified as a First Class Cadet through completing a syllabus of basic training
- Gained my Blue First Aid qualification, completing a 2hr Course on providing emergency care
- Earned a medal at our Wing Annual Athletics Competition
- Started my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a nationally recognised qualification once completed

A standout memory so far was collecting the trophy for our squadron winning the Over-16 Male category at the Annual Wing Athletics Competition. It was a real honour to represent my squadron, compete alongside other cadets and meet some of the more Senior Officers within the Wing

Looking forward, I want to get involved in as many sporting activities and courses as possible, as well as experience other emergency and public services through visits to places such as fire stations and police stations, whilst continually working towards a promotion, albeit my main goal being to make the most of every opportunity and experience everything the RAFAC has to offer

From the moment I joined, I was welcomed and quickly found a place where I felt at home. The RAF Air Cadets is a fantastic way to meet people, have fun, challenge yourself and gain real-world skills and qualifications that can benefit you long after your cadet experience has concluded”

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!

🙋‍♂️ Cadet Case Studies - Part 1 🙋‍♀️With a new recruitment season fast approaching, we thought it fitting to showcase s...
07/08/2026

🙋‍♂️ Cadet Case Studies - Part 1 🙋‍♀️

With a new recruitment season fast approaching, we thought it fitting to showcase some of our excellent Cadets and how they have developed through being a part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets!

See below for part 1 - spotlighting Cadet Sergeant Erin Thompson, one of our valued Senior Cadets!

“For nearly four years, cadets has been an incredible part of my life, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

My grandad inspired me to join through his own experiences in the RAF and cadets. I wanted to build my confidence, make new friends, and challenge myself - and that's exactly what I found.

Since joining, I've taken part in road marching, leadership courses, first aid training, and camps at RAF Valley, RAF Wittering, and RAF Cosford. My favourite activities are banner drill and leadership because they've helped me grow in confidence and become a more capable person.

Cadets has also inspired my future career. After achieving my Silver First Aid qualification, I've developed a real passion for first aid and emergency care. I'm now studying Public Services at college with the goal of becoming a paramedic.

Looking back, cadets has given me so much more than I expected. I've made lifelong friends, created unforgettable memories, gained valuable life skills, and learned more about the RAF and public service careers.

If you're looking to make new friends, build your confidence, learn new skills, or you're interested in the RAF or any public service career, I'd highly recommend joining cadets. You never know where the experience could take you!”

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!

🏏 Inter-Squadron Rounders Competiton 🏏Last weekend, the Squadron joined 220 Cadets and Staff from around Durham Northumb...
14/07/2026

🏏 Inter-Squadron Rounders Competiton 🏏

Last weekend, the Squadron joined 220 Cadets and Staff from around Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets to partake in the newly formed Annual Inter-Squadron Rounders Competition held at the Graham Sports Centre in Durham!

A huge well done to each and every Cadet involved, a fantastic effort!

See below for the standard Corporal Mcnally team selfie 👀

🙋‍♂️ Volunteers Week 2026 🙋‍♀️Sitting at the backbone of every Squadron, is a dedicated team of Cadet Force Adult Volunt...
02/06/2026

🙋‍♂️ Volunteers Week 2026 🙋‍♀️

Sitting at the backbone of every Squadron, is a dedicated team of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who work relentlessly to ensure each Cadet takes full advantage of what the Royal Air Force Air Cadets has to offer!

For each activity to take flight (no pun intended 👀), countless hours are volunteered by our staff team, completing paperwork, risk assessments and activity planning etc. This week allows us the perfect opportunity to say a huge thank you to our Squadron Staff! Without you, none of this would be possible!

A special mention to our Civilian Committee - the work you do is greatly appreciated!

🥈Inter-Squadron Athletics Competition🥈 Yesterday, 16 of our Cadets joined over 400 Cadets from across Durham Northumberl...
31/05/2026

🥈Inter-Squadron Athletics Competition🥈

Yesterday, 16 of our Cadets joined over 400 Cadets from across Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets to partake in the annual Inter-Squadron Athletics Competition!

Over the duration of the (very hot) day, Cadets competed in varying track and field events, with a total of 25 medals and 2 trophies being attained!

We are pleased to announce that the Squadron placed 2nd in the entire competition, with 1st place finishes across the Junior Men and Under-16 Girls Categories!

A fantastic display of teamwork, resilience and determination showed, with hopefully, a number of invitations to next months Inter-Wing Athletics Competition!

Well done all!

‼️ Recruitment Event Reminder ‼️A final call for anyone wishing to attend our Recruitment Event, taking place TONIGHT at...
21/05/2026

‼️ Recruitment Event Reminder ‼️

A final call for anyone wishing to attend our Recruitment Event, taking place TONIGHT at 1915hrs!

If you or your son / daughter would be interested in activities such as: flying / gliding, shooting, adventure training, sports, aviation studies, leadership, annual camps - then the Royal Air Force Air Cadets may be the perfect fit for you!

Message the page to find out more!

Who knows? It could be the start of something amazing!

Address

ATC HQ, RFCA Centre, Easington Road
Hartlepool
TS248JY

Opening Hours

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

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