What are Air Scouts ?

The Founding Story

In the 1930s, Scout Troops near to airfields and gliding clubs started to include air activities in their programmes, and an Air Patrols pamphlet was produced.

Air Scouting came into being in January 1941, during the Second World War, as a provision for air-minded young people, after the Battle of Britain fueled growth in interest.

The response was immediate and enthusiastic, with many demands for literature and advice as Troops and Patrols were formed in many parts of the country. Recruitment was little affected by the uniform restrictions imposed by clothes rationing, and it was possible to introduce a distinctive uniform in which, for the first time, a beret replaced the traditional Scout hat.

In modern time we have adapted and with modern times and society. So at 1st Colchester Air Scouts we aim to provide a modern and suitable Scouting program.

So as well as the more traditional and varied scouting experiences, we also aim to provide young people with the opportunity if they wish to learn and gain aviation knowledge/experiences.

With many of our previous members working in aviation industry and its associated companies. Also many of our former members also head into volunteer roles and responsibilities, with other services and military.

Scouting Adventures

In modern time we have adapted and with modern times and society. So at 1st Colchester Air Scouts we aim to provide a modern and suitable Scouting program.

So as part of this we aim to provide all the normal Scouting experiences, from backwoods skills to learning about the local community. We also aim to provide our members with true skills for life weather its teamwork and leadership or practical skills.

With regular camps and adventures all over the country and trips abroad, our leader team aim to provide a balance between aviation training and great scouting experiences.

Aviation Training

One of the main aspects of modern Air Scouting, is providing young people a chance to learn aviation knowledge and skills.

This ranges from learning, basic principles of flight & parts of aircraft to aviation communication and how to marshal aircraft.

Much of this training is done, as part of a wider program and we aim to offer members a chance to build on this further if they wish.

Several of our leaders have this special aviation knowledge and interest to pass this one to members.

Visits & Trips

A great way to build interest and develop knowledge is to see it in the real world.

Over the years we have aimed to provide this opportunity in various trips and trips to various aviation site ranging from airshows to using our contacts to arrange behind the scenes visits to RAF bases and airfields.

These trips provide a great opportunity to experience aviation in its various forms and learn about is different aspects.

Flight Experiences

In modern time real world flight experiences have become, very difficult and often unfeasible. Due to the requirements needed, and costs of modern aviation.

We do often work on this and are always looking for opportunities, that were once regularly possible to air scouts.

In an aim to provide experience, we offer our members flight simulator experience using our specialist equipment and professional software. They can put into practice knowledge gained during training sessions.

With plans to advance this further in the coming year/s, providing members with more opportunities and experience.