Teams and other Weekly Activities
Drill Team
The squadron Drill Team practices on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
Drill Team aims to perfect the skill of performing and carrying out drill at the highest level. It leads to the development of ones steadiness, obedience ,confidence and self-reliance, properties that could be applied within the real world . Well taught and executed drill develops the individual pride and espirit-de-corps, developing future leaders.
The Drill team prepares a compulsory routine and silent precision routine to be presented for the regional drill competition in April.
Historically, 513 Hornet Royal Canadian Air Cadets have placed 1st twice throughout the lower mainland. Way to go Hornets!
Ground School
The squadron holds ground school training on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
Cadets interested in becoming a glider or power aircraft pilots must attend ground school. The ground school provides opportunities for cadets to be instructed more in-depth about aviation subjects such as principles of flight, meteorology, navigation, air law, parts of an airplane, and radio operating procedures.
Historically, 513 Hornets ground school has been accredited for producing excelling pilots who fly all across BC.
Cadets wishing to become a pilot are expected to write the exam in early January.
Biathlon
The squadron Biathlon activity occurs on Sunday evenings from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Every year, cadets have the opportunity to do an Olympic-style winter biathlon. In addition, interested cadets learn cross-country skate skiing and shooting using the 0.22 calibre Anschutz rifle. Training for the Biathlon Team begins in October and for the regional competition in January. Cadets with the fastest time may advance to the Provincial and National championships.
The team trains to increase their physical fitness on Thursday evenings at the Percy Perry Stadium, learns and masters their shooting skills at the Burke Range in Coquitlam, and has skiing lessons at Cypress Mountain on weekends when snow is on the mountain.
Marksmanship
The squadron range team practices on Sunday evenings from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
All cadets are expected to handle safely and shoot the Daisy 853-C air rifle. As they become proficient, they may earn a marksmanship proficiency level and badge to sew on their uniform. Teachings are monitored closely by range officers and assistant range cadets alike to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
Cadets with high levels of marksmanship proficiency may be selected to be a member of the Range Team and compete in the regional marksmanship competition. If the team performs well, they may advance to the Provincial and National competitions.
Squadron Band
The squadron band practices are still underway. They play regularly on weekly parade nights, as well as at community parade events.
Cadets without a music background can still join the band – instruction and some instruments are provided. Band members also have the opportunity to receive professional training and testing to earn a music proficiency level and badge!
Effective Speaking
513 Hornet squadron holds a 4 to 6 week Effective Speaking course for cadets who would like to improve their public speaking skills, develop the ability to reason, organize and express ideas, along with gaining self confidence. The course is directed by Toastmasters International professionals.
The Air Cadet League hosts an Effective Speaking competition that cadets may choose to participate in. The cadets would compete at the Squadron, Wing, Provincial, and National Level. The effective speaking course is generally held sometime between November and February of the cadet training year.
First Aid Team
The squadron First Aid Team practices are still underway. Cadets interested in being certified at the St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid level may join the First Aid team to receive professional training.
In the spring, they compete in the regional first aid competition. The First Aid team practices on Friday evenings.
Sports Teams
Various sports teams are offered to cadets year-round, such as Voleyball, Basketball, and Dodgeball. Sports teams participate at tournaments hosted by other squadrons throughout the year.