Royal Belgian Air Cadets
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The Royal Belgian Air Cadets is a civil non-profit organisation actively supported by the Belgian Air Component[1]. It's purpose is to inspire young people for aviation as well to create interest in becoming a military pilot. At the start of 2022, the association counts around 200 active cadets and 200 staff members. Each year, after a selection process, 50 young people of 15 or 16 years old receive the opportunity to start a complete glider pilot training within the association. This takes three years with a possible extension of another three years, which is only granted to the best. Their training is assured by an experienced team of staff who are mainly of military personnel and civilians working in an aviation related environment.
History
Airplanes were used on a big scale for a first time during the First World War. When the latter came to an end, a lot of aircraft fell into the hands of private people and aeroclubs. This caused the foundation of the National Committee of Aviation Propaganda around 1930. This committee wanted to inspire and inform young people in aviation. The Belgian Air Scouts was created and changed quickly of name towards 'Belgian Air Cadets'[2]. A first squadron opened in 1939 under supervision of Gerard Tremerie, an enthusiast lad which later became head of the helicopter branch of Sabena, the Belgian national aviation company at that time.
Ten years after World War 2, in 1955, the Belgian Air Force assigned their support towards the Belgian Air Cadets which could now count on a reliable sponsor. The same phenomena was noticed in other countries like Canada, the UK[3] and the United States.
The Royal Belgian Air Cadets was founded in 1956 and exists until today. It remains a civil youth movement actively supported by the Belgian Air Component.
Entry conditions & tests
To be selected for a promotion you need to comply with some of the following:[4]
- Have the Belgian nationality or the nationality of a European member state; (Switzerland included)
- Be 15 or 16 years old in the year of subscription;
- Be medically fit;
- Pass the theoretical and sport selection tests.
Aspirant cadet
Once selected, the new recruits are part of 50 young people called "aspirants". They first tackle the theory, then the practical training.
Theoretical part
The association offers its members complete training to pilot a glider. Knowledge of aerodynamics, meteorology, instruments, regulations, aircraft technology and controls are therefore indispensable if someone wants to take a seat in a cockpit. During about ten days during the Easter holidays, aspirants follow the various theoretical courses given by pilots, air traffic controllers, meteorologists and flight instructors. This intensive period is organized at the military air base of Florennes. It is concluded with an exam which one must pass in order to continue with the practice.
Practical part
During the following summer holidays, a 3-week camp will follow in Weelde[5]. In the first year, the aspirants learn the basics of flying on the glider "Twin II" and will perform their first solo flight by the end of the camp. After the summer camps, aspirants can participate in five flying weekends that are organized in Bevekom, Florennes and Weelde. During these weekends, the cadets can maintain continuity and refine flying skills. The first year ends with an official wing ceremony where all aspirants get their wings pinned on by the General of the Belgian Air Force.
Flight cadet
Second year: "Flight"
After obtaining their wings, the aspirants become "flight cadets" in the second year. That year starts with a one-week camp during the Easter holidays in Weelde. Flights can gain additional experience during this camp, brush up on their learned skills and get ready for the summer camps.
During the summer holidays, the flights will go this time for three weeks towards Bertrix Air Base. The flights will learn a new way of taking off, the tow start behind our Piper Cub. Flights also get the opportunity to train on other types of gliders within our association.
Flights are also given the opportunity to gain extra experience during flying weekends in Weelde, Florennes and Bevekom, which take place during the spring and autumn.
Third year: "Flight"
In the third year, the flights can continue to participate in the flying weekends and the summer camps. During this year, the flights are encouraged to obtain their glider pilot license and are given the opportunity to perform performance flights in order to obtain as many badges as possible.
Cadets who have particularly distinguished themselves by their commitment and attitude in flight can, in their third year, participate in an international exchange of air cadets, also called IACE[6]. Participating countries include the United States, Canada, Switzerland, France, Australia and Hong Kong.
The flights must leave the association after the last flying weekend of this year. However, the best flights still have the option of staying longer in the association on request, up to a maximum of the year in which they turn 21.
Senior cadet
Flights that have been selected as senior cadet can participate in all flying activities as "senior". They will once again be given the opportunity to gain flying experience and obtain their glider pilot license.
In addition, it is also the task of the seniors to guide the aspirants and flights during the theoretical courses and flying activities. They are, as it were, the link between the cadets and the staff.
Every year they have to re-apply to remain in our association as a senior for a maximum of three years, until the year the senior turns 21. After that they can submit their candidacy to permanently join the association as a staff member. This is only awarded to the best seniors because places are limited every year.
Fleet
The Royal Belgian Air Cadets operate the following aircraft:[7]
| Glider | In service | Picture |
| Grob G103 Twin I | 2 |  |
| Grob G103 Twin II | 9 |  |
| Grob G103 Twin III | 1 |  |
| Grob CS Astir Jeans | 6 |  |
| DG505 Elan Orion | 4 |  |
| DG300 | 4 |
| Tow Aircraft | In service | Picture |
| Piper L21B Super Cub | 4 |  |
References
- ↑ "Jeugd en Defensie". Defensie (in Nederlands). Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ↑ Denet, Benoit (2021-11-25). "Belgian Air Component celebrates Air Cadet Wings handover at Beauvechain, Belgium". Aviation24.be. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ↑ "History". RAF Air Cadets. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ↑ "Prerequisites | Belgian Air Cadets". www.belgianaircadets.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ↑ Jansens, André (2014). 60 jaar vliegen in Weelde (in Dutch). Belgium: André Jansens. pp. 120–130. ISBN 9789090282282.CS1 maint: Unrecognized language (link) Search this book on
- ↑ "International Air Cadet Exchange Association | IACEA". www.iacea.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ↑ "The Fleet | Belgian Air Cadets". www.belgianaircadets.com. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
External links
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