Young people in the RAF Air Cadets can now gain nationally recognised drone qualifications, after the organisation became the first cadet force and part of the UK Ministry of Defence to be authorised to deliver and assess formal civilian drone training.
The accreditation, awarded by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), means cadets and adult volunteers can now achieve recognised qualifications in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), more commonly known as drones, through the RAF Air Cadets.
The move gives young people access to hands-on flying experience, nationally recognised qualifications and skills linked to future careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering, emergency services and technology.
The RAF Air Cadets is one of the UK’s largest youth organisations, supporting nearly 45,000 cadets aged 12 to 20 across the country. Alongside flying, gliding and aviation opportunities, cadets take part in adventure training, leadership, music, sport, fieldcraft, STEM activities and community projects, helping young people build confidence, resilience and life skills.
The accreditation was secured through the work of 692 Volunteer (V) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Training Squadron, part of No. 2 Flying Training School, which has developed a national model for drone training, safety assurance and aviation governance within the RAF Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Force.
As an approved Recognised Assessment Entity, the squadron is now authorised to train and examine drone operators against Civil Aviation Authority standards and award recognised civilian qualifications. The programme is expected to expand across the organisation over time, potentially supporting thousands of cadets and volunteers nationwide.
Cadet Corporal Rowan Frieslaar of 59 (Huddersfield) Squadron, who recently completed drone training through the RAF Air Cadets, said:
“I originally joined the RAF Air Cadets because I was interested in being a pilot, but I never expected to be learning to fly drones and working towards qualifications that could help me in a future career.
The training has been brilliant. It’s hands-on, challenging and genuinely exciting, but you also learn a huge amount about safety, teamwork and responsibility. It’s definitely made me think more seriously about a future in more industries where drones could be used.”
Cadet Corporal Rowan Frieslaar
The Civil Aviation Authority application process was led by Officer Commanding 692 (V) RPAS Training Squadron, Wing Commander Scott Bateman MBE RAFAC. He said:
“This is a significant moment for 692 (V) RPAS Training Squadron and for the wider Cadet Forces. Achieving Civil Aviation Authority Recognised Assessment Entity status as an entirely volunteer-run organisation reflects the professionalism, expertise and commitment of our people.
More importantly, it changes what we can offer our cadets. They are not only being inspired by aviation and technology, they are now able to gain recognised qualifications and develop skills that have genuine value beyond their time in the organisation.
This creates meaningful pathways into aerospace, aviation and wider technology careers.
The opportunity ahead is considerable. We now have the potential to train and assess thousands of cadets and volunteers whilst embedding the highest standards of aviation safety, leadership and professional practice.
There is also a strong sense of continuity in what we do. During the Second World War, through the Fellowship of the Bellows, 692 Squadron helped ‘put the air back into the Royal Air Force’ by raising funds to replace lost aircraft. Today, in a modern context, 692 (V) RPAS Training Squadron is helping to place aviation firmly at the heart of the RAF Air Cadets, supported by the continued generosity of the Air Cadet Charity.”
Wing Commander Scott Bateman
Officer Commanding 692 (V) RPAS Training Squadron
Group Captain Baz Dale RAF, Commandant of No. 2 Flying Training School, welcomed the accreditation and its significance for young people and aviation skills development. He said:
“This is a highly significant achievement for 692 (V) RPAS Training Squadron, No. 2 Flying Training School and the RAF Air Cadets.
Recognition as a Civil Aviation Authority Recognised Assessment Entity provides clear external validation of the quality, credibility and safety of our drone training. It places the RAF Air Cadets at the forefront of youth drone aviation and education in the United Kingdom.
Drone technology will play an increasingly important role across defence, industry and society. Through this initiative, the RAF Air Cadets are ensuring young people are not only inspired by that future, but equipped to take part in it.
I echo our thanks to the Air Cadet Charity. Their support has been fundamental in establishing this capability and enabling these opportunities for our cadets.”
Group Captain Baz Dale
Commandant No 2 Flying Training School
The new qualification pathway forms part of a wider programme to establish 692 (V) RPAS Training Squadron as a national centre for Cadet Forces drone training, assurance and governance, supporting the safe and professional growth of drone capability across the RAF Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Force.
The RAF Air Cadets offers young people opportunities to fly, develop leadership skills, gain qualifications, travel, make friends and take part in activities ranging from aviation and shooting to cyber, music and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Adult volunteers from all backgrounds are also encouraged to get involved, with opportunities available in aviation training, youth leadership, media and communications, adventure training and more.