WHEN
The Cadet training year begins in September and ends in June. New recruits are accepted from September to February, but it's better to join early.
Weekly Thursday evening meetings are mandatory and include training in aviation, leadership, citizenship, outdoor survival, drill, marksmanship, and sports.
WHERE
Our weekly mandatory training is held at Sir Wilfred Laurier Secondary School,
450 Millbank Dr, London
on Thursdays from 6:15 to 9 p.m.
Weekend trips throughout the year include field training exercises (FTX), gliding, and summer training opportunities for select Cadets.
HOW TO JOIN
We accept new recruits from September to February. To join, complete the the initial registration application through the online registration tool (link below); then e-mail the Administration Officer to submit all supporting documents and confirm we have received your application from the online registration tool.
What is the Air Cadet Program?
The Cadet program is one of the largest federally sponsored youth programs in Canada.
It is a national program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities while learning about the Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities. Cadets also learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship.
​
Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor are they expected to join the military. While they are introduced to Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces and certain traditions, they are also introduced to many other respectable career choices that are available to them.
​
Through the Cadet Program, the Government of Canada is investing in today’s youth and Canada’s future.
The Cadet Program is community-based. The program succeeds through strong community support and involvement. Cadets in turn make valuable contributions to their communities.
ALUMNI
Here is a sample of just some of our many successful alumni.
Colonel Jeremy Hansen, CD
CF-18 Pilot
Canadian Astronaut
Hansen was born on Jan. 27, 1976, and grew up near Ailsa Craig and later Ingersoll. His work in aerospace began at the tender age of 12 when he joined the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron of London.
Hansen earned his Air Cadet glider wings at age 16 and then a year later, at age 17 in 1992, received his private pilot license and was accepted to the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec. By 1994, thanks to "the discipline and self-confidence" Air Cadets gave Hansen, the youngster was accepted for officer training in the Canadian Armed Forces, his Canadian Space Agency biography states.
After completing basic training in British Columbia, Hansen began a 4-year bachelor's degree in space science at the Royal Military College (initially in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., then graduating from the branch in Kingston, Ont. in 1999.) He completed CF-18 fighter pilot training in 2003.
Hansen then served as a fighter pilot for five years, between 2004 and 2009, with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron; he also was Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Operations. His work included efforts with NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and in the Arctic.
In April of 2026 he was a crew member onthe successful Artemis II mission, becoming the first Canadian and first non-American to fly to deep space.
Jacquie Pepper-Journal
First Vice President,
Air Cadet League of Canada
Jacquie Pepper-Journal is a former cadet, staff member, and Commanding Officer of 614 RC(Air)CS. She currently serves as First Vice President of the Air Cadet League of Canada, where she works closely with the President to advance national strategy, governance, and organizational priorities. In this role, she contributes to policy development, organizational oversight, and long-term planning, while fostering alignment across provincial and territorial partners and representing the President in national forums. On June 13, 2026, Jacquie will assume the role of President of the Air Cadet League of Canada.
Her military service spans nearly three decades (1982–2011) in the Cadet Instructor Cadre of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. During this time, she held a wide range of senior command and staff appointments of increasing responsibility. She commanded multiple cadet training establishments, including Trenton and Blackdown Cadet Training Centres, overseeing complex, multi-site summer training operations involving hundreds of personnel. Her leadership encompassed operational planning, personnel management, training delivery, and coordination of civilian and military teams in dynamic environments. Her military career reflects a deep commitment to leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and the well-being of personnel.