Welcome to 481 (West Bromwich) Squadron ATC
The Air Training Corps (ATC), and 481 has been around in one form or another for over 60 years and have trained the young people of Sandwell in aviation since 1941!
The Air Training Corps is not just about aviation though. The Squadron offers a wide variety of activities that are open to all our cadets and there is something in the programme to suit everyone.
If you have an interest in aviation, the Squadron offers academic training in aviation subjects from how aircraft fly to how to navigate an aircraft once it is in the air. We also offer all cadets the opportunity to go flying in the Grob Tutor or gliding in either the Viking or Vigilant Gliders. Some cadets may be lucky enough to get flights in helicopters such as Chinooks and Sea Kings while on camps at RAF Stations across the UK and overseas.
For those of you who are interested in a career in the Armed Forces, the regular contact with the RAF offers you an insight into life in the services. You get the opportunity to spend a week on an RAF Station (Easter and Summer Camps) where you will get to see many sections of the RAF at work.
Those of a sporty nature will enjoy the Corps sports competitions. Football, athletics, cross country, swimming and volleyball are open to male and female cadets alike. Rugby is offered to the male cadets while the females get to compete in netball and hockey as well.
Challenge and adventure are part and parcel of Squadron life. Have you ever walked 100 miles in 4 days? Parachuted from a light aeroplane? Pushed yourself to the limit and beyond? If this appeals to you, the Corps offers numerous chances to do this including the Nijmegen Marches in Holland and the Six Summits Challenge to name just two!
The Corps also offers shooting as a competitive sport open to both male and female cadets where you are taught all the skills needed to be a marksman in a safe and controlled environment.
We also offer training in radio communications, and will soon be starting a Science and Technology project in conjunction with Black Country SETPOINT and Changing Futures.
So if you are a young person, aged 13 to 17 who wants to know more then take a look at our Join Us page.
For those aged 20 or over, why not give some of your time to help the young people of West Bromwich and Sandwell to take up the challenge of the ATC? If you are interested in being a member of staff, please take a look at our Join Us page.