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Air Scout Troops or Explorer Air Scout Units may apply to become RAF Recognized, under an agreement between The Scout Association and the Royal Air Force, which can bring some benefits and a great deal of honour to your Group or Unit. There are however only a total of 60 places allocated to the scheme. Groups or Units who apply for RAF Recognition will have an inspection by a designated RAF (Reserve) Staff Officer of the local Wing of the Air Training Corps. It's his/her recommendations that count - so you need to put on a good and smart show!

This information can be found in Factsheet FS120707: RAF Recognition Scheme [PDF]

1. have been registered as an Air Scout Troop or Explorer Air Scout Unit or Air Scout Group for at least one year.

2. have either the minimum of 18 invested Air Scouts (including Explorer Air Scouts linked to the Group by a Partnership Agreement) or in the case of Explorer Air Scout Unit a minimum of 12 invested members, established as part of the District or local provision.

3. have sufficient Adult Leaders and instructors to enable them to maintain and improve on the standards quoted below in sub paragraph (d) below.

4. have achieved the following standards with a balanced programme:

Air Scout Troop

1. The Troop must be able to demonstrate that all members have the opportunity to participate in a balanced programme covering all the Programme Zones and using a full range of methods.

2. 50% of the Troop should hold at least one Challenge Award, and 25% of the Troop should hold at least four Challenge Awards.

3. Each Member of the Troop should have progressed towards gaining the Basic Aviation Skills, Aviation Skills or Advanced Aviation Skills Activity Badges.

Explorer Air Scout Unit

1. The Unit must be able to demonstrate that all members have the opportunity to participate in a balanced programme covering all the Programme Zones and using a full range of methods.

2. Each Member of the Unit should have progressed towards gaining the Chief Scout's Platinum Award, the Chief Scout's Diamond Award or the Queen's Scout Award.

3. 50% of the members of the Unit should have proved their continued interest in air activities by either:

   • gaining one or more of the three Air Activity Badges;
   • completing the Explorer Scout Aviation Skills or the Explorer Advanced Aviation Skills award;
   • completed the Skills, Physical Recreation or Community Challenges with an "air bias".

1. Visit and camp in the vicinity of RAF Stations (the Air Cadet Liaison Officer for the establishment is responsible for the routine work in connection with such matters).

2. Fly as passengers in Service Controlled Aircraft.

3. Attendance the Air Training Corps (ATC) Units for lectures and instruction.

4. Use equipment provided for the ATC (by local mutual agreement).

5. Have on short term loan, RAF equipment and publications that will assist the training of Air Scouts and Explorer Scouts.