1932 Blackhall Squadron RAFAC

Our Cadets enjoyed some success at the recent Wing Athletics, well done everyone

A massive thank you to 473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC for the invite!

A thoroughly enjoyable evening had by all!

📚 Educational Visit 📚

Last week, the Squadron, alongside Cadets and Staff from 473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC, visited Hartlepool College of Further Education to gain an insight into their Aerospace offering, as well as gaining hands-on experience with their equipment and resident aircraft!

With many of our current cadets studying aerospace, with some of our younger cadets wanting to study aerospace, the visit provided valuable insight into what topics they would study, and also, where studying at the college could lead to career wise!

See below for some photos:

🌾 Blue Fieldcraft 🌲

Yesterday had seen our very own Cadet Henderson travel to 1869 Middlesbrough Squadron RAFAC to partake in a Blue Fieldcraft Course in which she passed!

The course covers the fundamentals of how to operate in the field as per the RAFAC Fieldcraft Syllabus e.g. how to correctly erect a shelter etc.

Blue Fieldcraft is a stepping stone to more senior Fieldcraft courses / qualifications within the Organisation, ones in which we hope to see Miss Henderson undertaking in the near future!

Well done!

🩳 Swimming Proficiency Success 🩱

Friday Evening had seen x3 Cadets travel to Millhouse Leisure Centre, within Hartlepool, to work their way through the various swimming proficiencies offered by the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, alongside 473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC

These proficiencies not only, recognise performance in the pool, but also, open doors to a number of different water-based activities within the Organisation!

Well done to Cadet Morland, Cadet French and Cadet Close for achieving their basic proficiencies, and a further well done to Mr French for achieving his Intermediate!

🪐 Space, Satellites and Solar 🛰️

Over recent years, the Royal Air Force Air Cadets have introduced a Space focused syllabus of training to align our focus, with that of the Royal Air Force!

At the weekend, we were invited to 473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC to partake in a Blue and Bronze Space Course respectively, with the Bronze Course expanding on knowledge learnt through the Blue Syllabus, to allow the Cadets to better understand what Space is and how it can be of use!

Congratulations to all the Cadets that attended, we look forward to seeing you flaunt your new badge on Squadron!

🕰️ 85 years of Us 🕰️

Today, we were joined by 473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC, to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Air Training Corps!

The Air Training Corps was formed on the 5th February 1941, to prepare young men for potential service in the Royal Air Force. 85 years later, we have seen substantial growth, with a large focus on diversity and inclusion, to an organisation with 45,000+ Cadets!

A massive well done to all that attended!

🧗‍♀️Wing Climbing Competition 2026 🧗

Today, x4 Cadets took part in the Annual Wing Climbing Competition, held at Simonside Climbing Wall, South Shields!

A fantastic day of climbing, networking and socialising for all of the Cadets and Staff - we look forward to seeing you put your skills to the test again next year!

Well done - a great effort by all!

🎖️AFCO and Aviation 🛬

Last night had seen the Armed Forces Careers Office visit the Squadron to conduct a presentation detailing what life is like in the Military, the differing entry routes and the earning potential - a special shoutout to Sergeant Brian Tumilty for attending!

Additionally, we were visited by the Wing Aviation Officer, Squadron Leader Graham Blount, to discuss how the Squadron can best utilise our flight simulators, with a plan established to qualify a number of staff members as Blue Wings Ground School Instructors!

🏥 Youth First Aid Course 😷

This weekend had seen a number of Cadets visit 473 Hartlepool Squadron RAFAC to partake in a Youth First Aid Course (YFA)!

The 12 hour YFA Course aims to develop upon the skills and techniques learned within the Essential First Aid Course and ensures that students are better equipped to deal with any First Aid Scenarios that may arise, internal to and external to, the RAFAC!

We’re pleased to announce that all attendees had passed and are now eligible to flaunt their newly attained Bronze First Aid Badge on their uniforms! Well done!