BTEC Training Section

BTEC Aviation Studies

INTRODUCTION

Since the inception of the BTEC Award in Aviation Studies in 1997, eight thousand full awards have been earned by ATC cadets. Twenty six Wings currently participate in the scheme. Periodically the award is revalidated, which gives the opportunity to update the qualification in a way which reflects training undertaken by cadets and relates this to current vocational and academic qualifications. BTEC qualifications in Aviation Studies are designed at Level 2 of the BTEC framework. Further information on the BTEC framework can be obtained on the Edexcel website.

OLD SCHEME BTEC AWARD IN AVIATION STUDIES

The original BTEC Award in Aviation Studies (1997-2006) was valued at one GCSE at grades A to C. This could be claimed upon completion of Staff Cadet Part 1.

BTEC CERTIFICATE IN AVIATION STUDIES

The old scheme BTEC Award in Aviation Studies is now the BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies and valued at two GCSEs at grades A to C. This qualification recognises the training undertaken to complete First Class, Leading, Senior and Staff Cadet Part 1. Cadets who have passed Staff Cadet Part 1 will be eligible for this certificate. The cost of this certificate is currently discounted at £35. Edexcel reserves the right to change its fees, normally on 1 Sep each year.

NEW SCHEME BTEC AWARD IN AVIATION STUDIES

The new scheme BTEC Award in Aviation Studies will be available to ATC cadets upon completion of Leading Cadet and is valued at one GCSE at grades A to C. The qualification recognises the training undertaken for both First Class Cadet and Leading Cadet. The cost of this award is currently discounted at £30. This gives those cadets who do not reach Staff Cadet Part 1 the opportunity to achieve an award.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme structure for the ATC has three blocks of subjects:

  • Block A – First Class Cadet.
  • Block B – Leading Cadet.
  • Block C – Senior and Staff Cadet Part 1.

In Block A (First Class Cadet) the required subjects from the training syllabus are:

  • Airmanship 1.
  • Map Reading.
  • Basic Radio Communications.
  • Initial Expedition Training.

For the purposes of the award, ACP 18 Manual of Marksmanship Training Volume 2 Basic Skills (called by Edexcel; Handling, Cleaning and Firing the Rifle) is an optional subject. No other subjects from the First Class Cadet syllabus are required.

In Block B (Leading Cadet) all three of the training syllabus subjects are required:

  • Basic Navigation.
  • Principles of Flight.
  • Airmanship 2.

In Block C (Senior and Staff Cadet Part 1) any two of the training syllabus subjects may be undertaken at each level, giving a total of any four subjects from:

  • Aircraft Handling.
  • Propulsion.
  • Air Navigation.
  • Advanced Radio and Radar.
  • Operation Flying.
  • Airframes.
  • Pilot Navigation.
  • Satellite Communications.

To be eligible for the BTEC Award in Aviation Studies, a cadet must complete Blocks A and B. To be eligible for the BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies a cadet must complete Blocks A, B and C.

South & East Midlands Wing has obtained further sponsorship from Rolls Royce and will therefore be able to fund the new Certificate for all cadets who pass Staff Cadet Part 1 for a further year. All cadets who passed the November 2006 exams are currently being registered for the new Certificate.

Any cadet who has not achieved Staff Cadet Part 1 but has passed the Leading Cadet Exam can now apply for the BTEC Award In Aviation Studies on payment of the £30 fee to Wing HQ. Cheques should be made payable to South & East Midlands Wing ATC and should be accompanied by the cadet’s RAF Form 3521A and a completed Form BTEC 1.
This can be downloaded here. BTEC 1
file: Aviation Studies Trg Record for First Class Cadet Form BTEC 1.pdf | downloaded: 211 times

Participating Wings need to maintain a record of training and assessment for all cadets wishing to claim these qualifications. For all training assessed by examination papers issued by HQ Air Cadets (Leading, Senior and Staff Cadet Part 1) the record of achievement is RAF Form 3521A. For First Class Cadet training, evidence that the cadet has completed the training is required. In order to comply with this requirement the attached Training Record, Form BTEC 1 must be completed and sent to Wing HQ with each RAF Form 3521A that is submitted with Leading or Staff Part 1 exam papers for marking. THE BTEC AWARD or CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE CLAIMED WITHOUT THIS COMPLETED FORM. One reminder only will be sent if it does not accompany the RAF Form 3521A.
The following evidence of achievement must be retained for a period of three years:

  • RAF Form 3521A.
  • First Class Cadet training records.
  • Examination question papers.
  • Examination answer papers.

HQ Air Cadets is responsible for verification policy and internal verification. External verification will be undertaken by Edexcel through HQ Air Cadets.

Any queries should be addressed to Sqn Ldr Flynn by the usual methods.