i am already fully aware its not happening. But why not.
2022 the air cadet organised to have a large presence at the airshow. It is one of the reason why a lot of people join cadets - to have these opportunities to go to these airshows and why on earth is HQAC, SW region and realisticly both Surrey, HIOW, and TVW all allowing it to slide under the belt. I get its not a military airshow but I know a lot of cadets really want to go to that week, and its not like its even residential or on the same scale as RIAT. Additionally to that point cadets isnt just about military, yes we are a child organisation of the RAF and the MOD but it doesnt limit us to just military airshows. Also before someone does mention is Farnborough OC’s job, its really not an OCs job is to run a squadron not manage inter wing events that cross regions. It was so irritating for so many that it didnt happen in 2024
I honestly think its a bit of (for a want of a better word) that it didnt happen in 2024 and its so unlikely to happen in 2026, and realistically its not acceptable.
This is just one of so many things that shows we (cadets) dont get listened to by those at wing, region and core level. And what is cadets without the cadet.
Bit of a rant but its a conversation that I, and many others think need to happen
413,457 and 2407 and others have been present in previous years. RAFAC hasnt been invited since 2022. So maybe take your issue up with the event organisers?
What would be constructive, instead of going on a public forum ranting about something that is entirely out of control of HQAC, Wings and Sqns is actually engage and ask questions to get informed answers. My inbox (wwo.hiow) is always open.
I would not be surprised is the OC of Farnborough Sqn had an in to the organisers.
Farmburgh is a trade show and is in the working week and is 5 days long. That is a lot of volunteering especially when it is camp season and clashes with Nijmegen and RIAT camp.
Should we (RAFAC) have a presence there? Probably yes. Would it be free? Probably not, it is a trade show. Could it be staffed in the working week, Probably, but is is added pressure for staff to take annual leave for a cadet event.
The organisers’ focus for youth/young adults is now on the Pioneers of the Future day (the Friday, now the public show has gone).
This is free (and free to CFAV). The application process is usually released a few months before, my Wing organises it centrally but Squadrons can apply directly.
What it is not is a ‘free air show’ or day out, it is career focused.
As far as cadets volunteering to help in other ways, as it’s now a trade-only event the scope is perhaps more limited.
There has never to my recollection been a week-long cadet presence, just periodic youth days which don’t seem to be so well advertised (at least in my current neck of the woods). When I was a cadet at 457, a good number of the others were a bit jealous that I worked at the RAE, so got about the public and non-public areas with pretty much a free reign.