Welcome to 2344!

Welcome to 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron, a leading unit within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. We cater to young people aged 12-20 who are passionate about aviation, adventure, and personal development.

As one of the largest squadrons in the North East, our cadets engage in a wide range of activities, from flying and gliding to leadership exercises, STEM projects, and adventurous training.

Supported by the Royal Air Force, our cadets enjoy unique experiences, including piloting aircraft and visiting RAF bases globally.

Explore our website to discover more about the exciting opportunities we offer!

Flight Lieutenant C J Hartwell RAFAC

Officer Commanding

Join as a Cadet

2344 Squadron parades on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 18:50 to 21:30. We meet at our own premises just off Whitley Road in Benton.

Potential cadets must be aged between 12 (and in year 8) and 17 to enrol.

Our Squadron operates at least two intakes per year, usually September and February. You’re welcome to contact us to add your name to our waiting list, you’ll then be contacted when a potential recruitment evening has been organised.

Join as a Volunteer

We’re always on the lookout for volunteers who have the dedication and passion to make a real difference in young peoples’ lives.

Our adult volunteers complete various tasks on the squadron; from keeping our administration in check, to delivering training to cadets in a classroom or on the hills- our staff are extremely versatile!

To join us as a staff member, you’ll need to be aged over 20 and be able to pass a DBS and basic security check.

If you’re interested and think you have what it takes, we’d love to hear from you.