Unit HQ Open Day
Dare to take the Challenge
Are you eligible?
Any person between the ages of 13 and 15 years may join the New Zealand Cadet Forces. The full consent of parents or guardians is required to apply, and while under the age of 18 parental consent is required for all training and exercises undertaken. A person younger than 13 may join if presently attending Year 9 at a New Zealand Secondary School.
Activities
Parade Nights
49 Squadron holds Parade Nights from 18:30-21:00 every Wednesday during School Terms. 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
We teach aviation theory as part of the parade nights, and are organising practical Flying Training for the cadets in partnership with local Aero Clubs. There is an annual National Aviation Course, consisting 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 covering the NZ CAA Private Pilot Licence syllabus. The practical content included 4 navigation flights building up from an initial 30 minute map reading exercise to a full 2 hour Navigation exercise covering up to 100 nautical miles (190 km) distance.
Gliding
As with Flying, Gliding Training is organised by the unit in partnership with local Gliding Clubs. There is a week long Gliding Activity, generally held in December, at the Matamata aerodrome. Cadets from all over New Zealand may attend this week long course.
Bushcraft
We also conduct classroom training in bushcraft and survival skills, and hold regular Basic and Advanced bushcraft camps in the local area during the year.
Shooting
Units conduct regular range training with smallbore rifles. Cadets who achieve high marks regularly (80 points (from 100) or higher) on the range may be awarded a marksmanship badge which is then worn on their brassard.
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