Welcome to the official website of 1262 (Blackburn) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).

Whether you are a young person looking for your next big adventure, a parent seeking an organization that fosters growth and confidence, or an adult looking to volunteer and give back to the community, I am delighted that you have found us.

As the Squadron Commander, I am immensely proud to lead a dedicated team of staff and a vibrant, motivated cohort of cadets. Our purpose aligns directly with the core aims of the RAFAC: to foster an interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force, provide training that develops useful leadership and citizenship skills, and encourage a spirit of adventure.

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### What We Offer

Life on our squadron is fast-paced, rewarding, and incredibly diverse. Our cadets have the opportunity to experience:

* **Aviation & Flying:** From flight simulators to real air experience flights in RAF aircraft and gliders.

* **Skills & Qualifications:** Earning recognized civilian qualifications, including BTECs and the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards.

* **Adventure Training:** Hiking, camping, paddle-sports, and fieldcraft that test resilience and build lifelong friendships.

* **Leadership & Teamwork:** Developing the core confidence and communication skills needed to succeed in any career path.

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### Start Your Journey 

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, supportive environment where young people (from Year 8 upwards) can push past their comfort zones and achieve things they never thought possible.

Take a look around our website to see a glimpse of what we get up to. If you like what you see, we would love to welcome you to one of our intake nights.

> **Ready to take the next step?** Head over to our **[Contact Us / Recruitment]** page to find out how to visit the squadron in person.

Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to welcoming you to the Squadron soon.

Flight Sergeant Nathan Smith

Squadron Commander

1262 (Blackburn) Squadron

Royal Air Force Air Cadets