Aviation​ Experiences

Getting an Aerospace experience with the Australian Air Force Cadets

There are two streams of aviation training available to Cadets – gliding and powered flying.

Thanks to considerable support from Air Force, the AAFC aviation program enables Cadets to have a safe, positive and educational aviation experience.

The goal of our flying training program is to give Cadets exposure to, and inspire their interest in, the aerospace industry through education in theoretical and practical skills of aircraft handling, aircraft engineering and flight operations.

Aviation Operations Wing

AOW has the aim of delivering flying pathways to Air Force Cadets through gliding and powered flying experiences and training.

AOW’s Mission is: “To inspire and develop young people in an air and space environment to achieve and maximise their potential to contribute to Australia’s future success”.

Opportunities are available across the country supported by our Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) and Gliding Training School (GTS), and we also use approved service providers. Our aim is to provide every cadet with an immersive aviation experience – at no cost.

Within the operational constraints of our very busy Air Force, we'll also do everything we can to get Cadets up close and personal with Australian Defence Force aircraft.

Flying training helps trainee pilots to be very well coordinated on the aircraft controls, and develops in them a high degree of in-flight situational awareness and respect for other airspace users.

Trainees develop excellent energy management skills that can assist in flying a wide range of aircraft.

Many Australian Defence Force and commercial aviators began their flying careers by learning to fly with the AAFC.

Interested in Powered Flying?


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Interested in Gliding?


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AOW Badges

There are also opportunities for AAFC staff to undergo flying training to ensure we have adult staff with aviation experience are available to progress to hold leadership roles such as Flight Commander. Powered pilots with military and/or civil experience may become Air Experience Instructors (gliding) through an accelerated program.

Interested in joining as a pilot or aviation instructor?
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The Australian Air Force Cadets acknowledges this country and its traditional custodians.

We acknowledge and respect the spiritual relationship between the traditional custodians and this country which is inspired by language of songs, dance law and dream time stories over many thousands of years and we pay our respect to the elders who have passed into the dreaming, those here today, and those of tomorrow. May we continue to peacefully walk together in gratitude, respect and kindness in caring for this country and each other.