The Air Training Corps or ATC is one of the three corps in the New Zealand Cadet Forces, the other two being the New Zealand Cadet Corps and Sea Cadet Corps . It is funded in partnership between the RNZAF and communities, and it's members are civilians. Members have no obligation to head into the regular force, however some do choose to join the New Zealand Defence Force . Unlike the United States Civil Air Patrol, ATC service does not translate into higher pay, rank, or seniority in the NZDF.
Organisation
National
The ATC is managed at a national level by the Commandant (usually a Regular Force Lieutenant-Colonel/Wing Commander/Commander), and his/her Staff at Defence Force Headquarters in Wellington. It is supported by the Air Training Corps Association of New Zealand (ATCANZ).
Area
The country is broken into 3 areas, Northern (Northern half of the North Island), Central (Southern half of the North Island) and Southern (entire South Island).
Each area has a NZCF Training and Support Unit, commanded by an Area Co-ordinator, with Advisors for Air Training Corps units.
Unit
Each unit is managed by the Cadet Unit Commander, in partnership with the unit's branch of the ATCANZ
Uniform and Insignia
The uniform worn by ATC members is the same as that of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, except that for all ranks, the lettering on the bottom of the rank insignia shoulder boards reads CADET FORCES rather than NEW ZEALAND to differentiate ATC personnel from RNZAF personnel. Officer Service Dress Uniforms have a shoulder flash reading NEW ZEALAND CADET FORCES, rather than NEW ZEALAND for the same reason. The cadets wear a cloth ATC cap badge on their flight caps, while officers wear the same cap insignia as RNZAF officers. Cadets wear their achievements on a shoulder brassard. Officers who were formerly cadets do not wear their cadet awards on the officer uniform.
Membership
Cadet Members
Cadets can join from the age of 13 to the age of 18. Units provide uniform, but may hold bonds to ensure that they are returned. Unit fees are set by each unit annually, but are normally under $100 per year.
Cadets may in time be promoted to NCO ranks. Cadet NCO ranks are based on the RNZAF ranks, and are Cadet Corporal (CDT CPL), Cadet Sergeant (CDT SGT), Cadet Flight Sergeant (CDT F/S), Cadet Warrant Officer (CDT WO), and Cadet Under Officer (CDT U/O). The exception is that Under Officer is not a rank in the RNZAF. In the ATC, NCO ranks are often abbreviated by omitting the "Cadet" prefix.
However, not all cadets become NCOs, but all get the chance to train and progress though the different levels of training, Basic, Proficiency, and Advanced levels, by demonstrating knowledge and skills in cadet knowledge, service knowledge, leadership, weapons safety, and aviation.
Adult Members
Adult Members can serve in two capacities: Commissioned Officers or Civilian Instructors. Officers are commissioned into the New Zealand Cadet Forces, with the post-nominal letters NZCF, at the rank of Pilot Officer, and can be promoted to Flying Officer, and Flight Lieutenant after completing the necessary training and service. The Rank of Squadron Leader is reserved for Unit Commanders who have completed command training.
Civilian Instructors are civilians who help train cadets. They do not wear uniform, but they are generally treated the similarly to officers by cadets.
Activities
Parade Nights
Every unit holds Parade Nights around 2-3 hours long weekly during School Terms. Each parade night usually begins and ends with a parade. The starting parade is used to raise the RNZAF ensign, to inspect uniforms, and to inform the cadets on the parade night's activities. The final parade is used to lower the RNZAF ensign, and to inform the cadets on upcoming events in the unit. Between the parades, the cadets undergo classroom, or practical instruction.
Flying
Units teach aviation theory as part of the parade nights, and units typically organise practical Flying Training for the cadets in partnership with local Aero Clubs. There is an annual National Aviation Course, comprising of separate Flying and Navigation flights. Those that opt for the Flying component spend two weeks covering both theory and practical lessons in flying, with First Solo being a common achievement. The Navigation component is a 1-week long theoretical and practical course in Aviation Navigation.
Gliding
As with Flying, Gliding Training is organised by the unit in partnership with local Gliding Clubs. There are 2 concurrent annual 1-week long Gliding Camps, where cadets particiapte in Gliding.
See Also
External Links
Air Training Corps Web Site
