Join Air Cadets

Welcome to one of the best youth programs in Canada. With nearly 75 years of rich history, tradition and tens of thousands of Air Cadet graduates, you are truly in for the ‘flight of your life.’

Ready to join? Start here.

The registration process is now completely online.

Requirements to Join

  • Between 12-18 years of age at time of joining
  • A Canadian Citizen or have Permanent Resident Status
  • Be in good physical health
  • Be of good moral character

Note: When asked “Unit Name”, start typing 87 Welland (Full name is 87 welland, ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADET SQUADRON)

Learn more about Air Cadets

What do we do?

Air Cadet Training is divided into five proficiency levels, including on-the-job training for senior cadets. Some of the courses offered to Air Cadets at the local level are:

  • aeronautical facilities
  • aircraft identification
  • aircrew survival
  • airframe structure
  • citizenship
  • drill
  • effective speaking
  • general cadet knowledge
  • physical fitness
  • sensible living
  • marksmanship
  • principles of flight
  • propulsion
  • radio communication
  • instructional techniques
  • leadership
  • navigation
  • meteorology

Geared towards 12 to 18 year olds

Air Cadets is a program geared to youth between the ages of 12 and 18.  While the ‘Air’ in our program will give you the excitement of flying a glider or airplane, we have plenty of other fun, rewarding and challenging opportunities just waiting for your participation.

Cadets leading cadets

Successful Air Cadets have graduated and moved on to take leadership roles in many fields of business and across society. 

Did you know that Chris Hadfield, heading up the space station, started as an Air Cadet? So did Marc Garneau, first Canadian in outer space, and Maryse Carmichael, current Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds and the first woman in this role.  The list of successful Canadians who began as Air Cadets is long and continues to fill up each year, from Canadian country singer George Canyon to former Prime Minister Joe Clark.  

Nearly all of them attribute much of their personal values and skills to their involvement as a young person in the Air Cadet program.


Join more than 8,000 boys and girls!

Today, in Ontario, there are more than 8,000 girls and boys involved in all levels of Air Cadets.  Some are in year 1 and learning basics of flight, joining their first band or participating in a biathlon competition.  Others are in their final year and leading other Cadets as a Warrant Officer, can fly their own plane, and are being interviewed to participate in an International Exchange program in Australia.

Our Air Cadets appreciate many of the experiences and skills they have been able to gain during their career. Especially true is the broad exposure to new challenges that each Cadet gets to face and experience, both as a member of a Squadron and as an individual Cadet.  Learning new skills, becoming a leader of others, helping their community and gaining invaluable skills and discipline are some of the hallmark results that excite our Cadets and attract new youth every year.


Air Cadets are not in the military

Air Cadets are not part of the Canadian Forces.  While a close and unique relationship exists with our veterans and the men and women who currently serve our country, Air Cadets is a civilian youth program that provides young people with many skills and experiences.  There is no expectation to join the military… that’s a personal, voluntary decision that each Canadian citizen makes, and some Air Cadets also make

Finally, no better words were spoken about the Cadet movement than those from General Rick Hillier, former Chief of Defence for the Canadian Forces, who’s children also participated in the program.

In Canada, the Army, Navy and Air Cadet Leagues of Canada are probably our best Canadian programs for producing responsible Canadian citizens. The cadet program emphasizes leadership. It teaches and puts into practice the same principles that major corporate, military and international leaders learn at Harvard University, in graduate programs across our own country, in military schools or even from the school of hard knocks. If you are young, get involved. Volunteer and get out front to organize, contribute and get things done. If possible, join the Cadets.”

General Rick Hillier, former Chief of Defence for the Canadian Forces

Ready to join now?

The Cadet Program is a dynamic, funded program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 across the country. Join 87 Eagle and participate in exciting and challenging activities that you can’t experience anywhere else.