Welcome to the website of the 494 Sqn Community Challenge Project 2007. The project is a partnership run by 494 (Stansted Airport) Air Cadets and funded directly by the Local Network Fund, Essex Community Fund and The Department for Education and Skills.

The aim of the project is to provide activities for local young people to help equip them with skills such as effective communication, confidence and leadership. The project will also allow young people from around the area to experience an insight into military life and being a member of the Air Cadet Organisation.

To find out more please explore our site!



494 (Stansted Airport) Squadron is part of the Air Training Corps, a voluntary military youth organisation supported and sponsored by the Royal Air Force. There are around 41,000 cadets aged between 13 and 20 in the ATC. Each Squadron forms part of a Wing, in our case Essex Wing and they in turn are grouped into six Regions. The Cadets are supported by over 10,000 volunteer staff and 5,000 Civilian Committee members.

494 (Stansted Airport) Squadron started life as a Detached Flight of 1096 (Bishop’s Stortford) Squadron in 1992 and after a lot of hard work and dedication was finally granted Squadron status.

In April 2006 our present OC, Flight Lieutenant Rob Hall took command of the Squadron. He and his team of staff have put many hours of hard work into the unit and this has seen cadet numbers soar. The last intake of new recruits has taken our strength to 47 cadets.

Squadron activities are wide ranging and include Field craft and military skills, camping, flying, gliding, shooting, orienteering, adventurous training, First Aid, communications, drill, aircraft recognition, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, sports and foreign trips. There are also many exercises and camps held throughout the year. There are opportunities to gain qualifications and progress through the rank structure. Cadets learn many life skills, including good citizenship, leadership and team building.