Be a mentor, change a life!

Docemus casus! ... We teach adventure!

Aviation-Focused Youth Development Since 2018

The South African air cadet corps is a non-profit company with the goal of teaching the youth about aviation, and, in doing so, expand their horizons and options for careers in the future.

We use vetted volunteers that receive in-house training as instructors and officers to fill the leadership and mentoring positions in the squadrons. If you think you have what it takes, contact us to get involved.

If your town does not have a squadron we will help you set one up!

The Mission of the South African Air Cadet Corps is:
  • To instill an interest in all forms of aviation in the youth.
  • To instill a sense of, and love for adventure in the youth.
  • To develop leadership skills, discipline, and camaraderie in the youth.
  • To equip the youth with skills that will set them apart from their contemporaries in their communities as well as in the workplace.

Headquarters

The headquarters of the South African Air cadet corps is responsible for all the admin and day-to-day activities of the corps.

This is where it all starts, it is the engine of the corps. No issue is too small to ask HQ for advice. Headquarters share their motto with the air cadet corps which is "Docemus Casus" meaning We Teach Adventure.

Lorem

Used to train future officers and instructors. It's our officer factory!

The word Lorem is Latin, meaning "to launch", which is exactly what this unit does for the air cadets' future officers. Situated in Potchefstroom and recruiting officers from the large student community, this unit (as it's used to train officers and not exclusively cadets, it is not a squadron) also trains all officers in the corps. If you are not in Potchefstroom, we provide training in your own town through online sessions, and then travel to you to give the physical training. The motto of the Lorem is "Mag in Kennis", meaning Knowledge Gives You Power.

1 Squadron

The torch bearing pioneers of the Corps

This Squadron is based in Potchefstroom. Their motto, "Prima" is Latin, meaning First. As the pioneer squadron, 1 Squadron is the custodian of the fleet of gliders that the Air Cadets own and host at all national camps of the Cadet Corps in Potchefstroom.

2 Squadron

The squadron in Reddersburg.

2 Squadron is situated in Reddersburg in the Free State. They are staffed by members of the local community. Their cadets are from the local children's home. These cheetahs live by the motto "Curamus", meaning We Care.

3 Squadron

The squadron in the bush veld.

This squadron is situated in Phalaborwa, it's our most northerly squadron. This squadron is leaving its footprint in the bush, just like the elephants from the area. This is why the elephant tusk from the town's entrance, and the area's famous palm tree form this squadron badge. The motto shows the squadrons' deep connection to the town, Phalaborwa!

4 Squadron

The Origin Squadron

4 Squadron was the physical home of the Lorem until the Lorem became fully virtual. Established at a children's home, this squadron has its roots in the first unit the Air Cadets ever established. 4 Squadron has since relocated to Polokwane, Limpopo. The motto of 4 Squadron is "Incrementum," meaning "growth by increments."

5 Squadron

This squadron is from Alberton, south of Johannesburg.

5 Squadron is eager to make its mark and they are doing so at the speed of sound. Their motto "Aviation , Adventus, Actio" says it all! Aviation, Adventure and Action!

6 Squadron

Based in Mokopane, the Phoenix rises... again.

6 Squadron was established in Wonderboom, but due to various reasons, the squadron never grew into a fully functioning squadron. Re-established in Mokopane 6 Squadron now has a presence with a dedicated commanding officer with Air Force experience of his own, this Phoenix is taking flight!

7 Squadron

The eagles at the edge of the city

Based in Roodepoort, Johannesburg West. 7 Squadron alternates its parades between Laerskool Helderkruin for open-air parades and a private venue for foul-weather parades.

8 Squadron

The city of gold in the Corps

Based in Eldorado Park, South of Johannesburg, this Squadron of gold brings the cadet experience home. Run by a dedicated commanding officer with experience in the SANDF, this Squadron is rapidly expanding to bring the experience of aviation and adventure to children every week.

The annual newsletter of the cadets

Debrief 2025

The first annual newsletter of the South African Air Cadet Corps "The Debrief"

AVIATECH FAPS

AVIATECH FAPS

As a friend of The South African Air Cadet Corps, AVIATECH FAPS plays a vital role in enhancing our training programmes. Their collaborative efforts and industry knowledge help us provide cadets with relevant, practical experiences in aviation technology. Visit them at: https://aviatechfaps.co.za/

Potch gliding club aka vlieg

Potch gliding club aka vlieg

As a key friend of The South African Air Cadet Corps, the Potch Gliding Club (akaVlieg) offers cadets practical gliding experiences that complement their theoretical instruction. This partnership provides a platform for cadets to build confidence, airmanship, and teamwork, reinforcing the corps' dedication to holistic youth development in aviation. Gliding is a sport where pilot skills are essential, and glider pilots are often ranked amongst the world's best. If you are thinking of gliding, at Potch Gliding you will learn to be the best, from the best. Visit them at: https://www.facebook.com/AVPPotchGliding/

Do more... be more! Back-a-Buddy
Aviation inspires ambition, and structure builds success. For many of our cadets, Air Cadets is more than a hobby — it's a lifeline. It's the first time they put on a uniform, take responsibility, speak in front of others, or dream of a professional future. We’ve seen how our cadets grow academically, socially, and personally through this programme. With your help, we can reach more young people, break cycles of poverty, and open doors to careers in aviation, engineering, and leadership.

If you want to become a cadet (boys and girls from 12 to 18 years) please let us know and we will contact your parents to get you placed with a squadron. If you are an adult who wants to volunteer, please contact us and we will either place you with a squadron or help you establish a squadron.


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Is this the air force?

No.
The South African air cadet corps is not part of the South African Air Force, nor are we affiliated with them. We do not prepare you for the air force, we teach you about all forms and versions of aviation.

What do I need to be cadet?

Cadets are between the ages of 12 and 18 years. They are boys and girls from all walks of life. If you are between these ages and looking for adventure with an aviation flavour, contact us and we will help you sign up.

What if I am to old to be cadet?

If you are older than 18, you can be an adult volunteer. There are different roles and levels for being involved. If for instance you only want to help with camps or the organisation of a squadron, but not wear a uniform or have parades, you can be a civilian instructor.

If you want the full experience, you can become an officer which in turn brings its own different options for roles and development.

Is the cadets a flight school?

No.
The air cadets teaches cadets about a range of experiences like hiking, map reading and flying. This means you might get to experience flights, but earning your pilot's licence can only be done through an flight school.

What if my town does not have a squadron?

If you want to become a member of the cadets corps and there is no squadron in your town (yet), we will help you establish a squadron. You need two adult volunteers for the officers and a venue to hold parade nights. The rest we will help you do.

How many cadets are in a squadron?

Generally, 10 Cadets form a squadron, but a squadron can start with 2 cadets and officers and grow from there. 

What if I want to be an adult volunteer?

If you want to be involved as an adult volunteer, contact us and we will bring you in contact with you nearest squadron.

If you have cadets or want to start a squadron, contact us and we will help you establish a squadron.

Either way, just contact us and we will help you.

How time-consuming is the cadets?

The air cadets have parade nights once a week, consisting of 2 hours.

Camps and trips will also take up your time, but it will be worth every minute! Volunteering your time is, after all, what you do.

Costs for cadets?

Though cadets will need to purchase their own uniforms, this can be done through HQ.

A further R250 monthly fee needs to be paid by cadets. All camps, trips and training are free ... We are a non profit company, after all.

Costs for adult volunteers?

Adult volunteers are responsible for the cost of their own uniforms.

Further, adult volunteers will offer up their time and this is enough in terms of payment for the air cadets.