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Projects are a chance for cadets to specialise in very different areas.

Below you will find an example of the projects we are currently running or have previously run on the Squadron. Each cadet must undergo at least 25 hours of project training per classification, so we aim to make these as varied and interesting as possible so that the cadets can choose something they really enjoy.

The Fitness project was created on Squadron to enable the cadets if interested, to maintain and improve their standard of general fitness. On project evenings the cadets work on all of the muscle groups in the body during the circuit session. The circuit session includes cardiovascular exercises as well as polymetrics. Each session is progressively more difficult. For a new cadet joining the project a fitness assessment is carried out.

Engineering

The engineering project is run by Civilian Instructors Currie & Pye and undertakes a wide range of activities, from the restoration of an ex-army armoured car, to the repair and redesign of land yachts. We as cadets have learnt a lot about engineering from basic skills such as painting to more specialist trade skills including maintenance of squadron vehicles and buildings

Aero Modelling

The aero modelling project build aircraft model kits. These range from very small jet fighters to large bombers and airliners. The Sqn has a large collection of models waiting to be built and also the kit to build them with. The models, once complete, can be entered into competitions representing the squadron.

Marksmanship

The marksmanship project concentrate on target shooting on the Sqn 15m .22 range. This involves working on their Skill at Arms and theory of shooting. The Sqn run inter-flight shooting competitions and also enter at least one team into the Wing competition every year.

Radios

The radio project runs and maintains the Squadrons UHF, VHF, car mounted and handheld radios. They also get qualified as radio operators, which enable them to use radios on cadet events.

Aircraft Recognition

Aircraft Recognition is the art of seeing an aircraft, and being able to tell exactly what it is! Sounds boring but actually is quite good fun. In competitions the picture will appear, show for up to 3 seconds then disappear again, then you have too write down the aircrafts details. Fg Off Alex Pye leads this project, which is proving popular - but also very successful amongst the cadets.

Remote Control Plane

The Squadron has its own Remote Control Plane, which we fly from a local airfield. It has 2 controllers so cadets with no experience can have a go themselves with an instructor "shadowing them". It's a very manoeuvrable plane and can perform aerobatics.

DofE

The cadets also use their project hours planning thei DofE expeditions. See the DofE page for more infomation about this excellent opportunity.

Fieldcraft

The fieldcraft project is responsible for planning and running all the Squadrons fieldcraft training. They also receive lectures on  fieldcraft principles and tactics. When the Sqn go on exercise the fieldcraft project usually play the role of the enemy and take on more advanced objectives.

Survival Skills

The Survival Skills project concentrates on learning skills that would be used in pure survival situations. Their syllabus includes fire, food, water and shelter. It also includes many exercises where the cadets have to survive for the weekend with minimum kit and assistance.

Drill & Leadership

The D&L Project is aimed at the senior cadets in the squadron and helps them develop their leadership skills by a number of means, including presentations, sports & through drill.

Ghillie Suits

A Ghillie suit is a suit, which blends in with the foliage around it. They were first used by Scottish gamekeepers and then snipers. We use them on exercise to help us hide from the staff and sneak up on our objectives. The Ghillie suit project usually design and build at least one suit each over the project period.

Geoproject

Led by Fg Off Robinson who specialises in Geographical Information Systems, the Geo Project looks at how maps are produced, and their uses in the everyday lives. It also looks at maps within the armed forces, and their application in conflict and peacetime. By the end of the project, the cadets have a firm grasp of mapping technologies and techniques as well as manual & digital map making.

Media and Communications

This project, led by the Squadron's Media and Comms Officer, looks at raising the profile of the squadron within the local community, and also amongst the Corps itself. They achieve this by creating news articles, interviews with local radio stations, submitting press releases to the Air Cadet magazine and website, and creating presentations for local schools.

Flight Simulator

The Squadron has recently purchased a Flight Simulator, aloowing the cadets to continue their flying training when they are unable to get to Abingdon or RAF Benson to fly for real. This project is led by CI Katy Lee, a qualified pilot and flying instructor, and she takes them through a set training program that closely mirrors a real training program. At the end of this, they will successfully understand the principles required to fly a light aircraft, which will help them when they progress to real flying.

Cooking

Run successfully over the past few years, Sgt (ATC) Alice Pye teaches the cadets basic cookery techniques, such as pancake making (a favourite), and leads up to the annual awards night where the cadets help prepare the food involved. Using the squadron's own gas powered field cooker, she also teaches them how to cater for large amounts of people with limited resources (this proves useful when we go away to squadron events!).

Military History

For this project, each cadet nominates some aspect of military history they're interested in, and they explore each as a group, with WO (ATC) Steve Pye leading. They look in depth at the battles of World Wars 1 and 2, and this culminates in the annual squadron battlefield tour trip, taking place in October/November each year.