Air Explorers: Taking Adventure to New Heights

Who We Are

Air Explorers is a specialised program within the broader Scouting community that focuses on aviation and aerospace. Designed for young people with a passion for flight, technology, and adventure, Air Explorers offers a unique opportunity to learn about aviation, develop leadership skills, and experience the thrill of flying. Whether you’re interested in becoming a pilot, learning about aircraft mechanics, or exploring the science of flight, Air Explorers provides the foundation to take your interests to the next level.

What We Do

Air Explorers engage in a wide range of activities centered around aviation:

  • Flight Experiences: Members have the opportunity to participate in flight simulations, visit airfields, and even take introductory flights with qualified pilots.
  • Aviation Education: Through hands-on workshops and educational sessions, Air Explorers learn about aircraft design, navigation, meteorology, and the principles of flight. This includes opportunities to build model aircraft, explore the mechanics of engines, and understand the latest in aviation technology.
  • Field Trips and Camps: Members can attend specialized camps and field trips to air museums, aerospace companies, and military bases. These trips provide an insider’s look at the aviation industry and the chance to meet professionals in the field.
  • Leadership Development: Like all Scouting programs, Air Explorers emphasises leadership and personal development. Members take on responsibilities within their unit, plan activities, and learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Who Can Join

Air Explorers is open to young people aged 14 to 18 who have a strong interest in aviation. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in aviation or simply want to explore the skies as a hobby, Air Explorers offers a supportive and exciting environment to pursue your passion.

Why Join Air Explorers?

  • Career Pathways: For those considering a career in aviation or aerospace, Air Explorers provides a solid foundation and valuable networking opportunities with professionals in the industry.
  • Skill Development: Members gain practical skills that are applicable in both aviation and other fields, including technical knowledge, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Community and Friendship: Being an Air Explorer means joining a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for aviation. You’ll make lifelong friends and be part of a supportive, adventurous group.
  • Unique Experiences: From flying in small aircraft to meeting aerospace engineers, Air Explorers offers experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.

Why “Tempest Explorers”?- Not Just Another Windy Day

Our unit’s name is inspired by the Tempest—not the weather (though we’re no strangers to being out in a storm), but the RAF’s next-gen fighter jet. This beast of an aircraft is set to redefine air combat. Think of it as the James Bond of fighter jets: sleek, packed with gadgets, and ready for action. It’s equipped with AI, advanced sensors, and so much tech that even your smartphone would be jealous. It’s designed to operate in some of the most challenging environments, equipped with advanced sensors, AI integration, and cyber warfare capabilities. This aircraft is at the forefront of innovation, and we believe our new unit will embody that same spirit of adventure, challenge, and forward-thinking.

Just like the jet, our Tempest Explorers will be breaking new ground, pushing boundaries, and soaring to new heights (though maybe not at supersonic speeds…yet).

Why Air Explorers? Because Regular Explorers Are So Last Year

Sure, regular Explorers are great—but Air Explorers? They’re on another level. Air Explorers offers all the fun, adventure, and personal development opportunities of regular Explorers, with a special focus on aviation, aerospace, and the RAF. Members of Tempest Explorers will get the chance to engage in activities related to flying, air navigation, and opportunities to visit RAF bases, We’ll be incorporating elements of the RAF Air Cadet syllabus, giving Scouts unique insights into the world of aviation and aerodynamics learning how planes stay up in the air (hint: it’s not magic, but it’s close).

Whether you’re passionate about flying, interested in engineering, or just looking for an exciting new challenge, Tempest Explorers is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and take your experience to new heights—literally. If you’ve ever looked up at the sky and thought, “I could do that,” then Tempest Explorers is for you. And even if you’ve never thought that, come along anyway—you might surprise yourself!

Get Involved

Ready to take to the skies? Joining Air Explorers is easy to get involved click on this link