[4][5] Today the focus is on general aviation within the aim: "To instill in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces."

[10] Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve subcomponent Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) and supplemented, if necessary, by contracted civilian instructors, authorized civilian volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches.

Civilian sponsors raise money for accommodations, utilities, liability insurance, local awards, and additional training resources or special activities, such as mess dinners, band instruments, or squadron excursions and trips that are not funded by the CF/DND.

(Nick) Carter became the first commanding officer of the 1601 Wing until he was called to Ottawa to assist in the formation of the new Air Cadet League of Canada.

In 1940, Air Minister Power directed that a nationwide voluntary organization be formed to sponsor and develop a select group of young men who would be trained to meet the increasing need for operational pilots in the RCAF during World War II.

In areas where there was a high interest in air cadets, additional squadrons were established with different parade nights to accommodate the numbers.

[citation needed] From the early days senior air cadets were given opportunities to work in staff positions beside officers, certain contracted civilians and RCAF/CF members at summer camps across Canada.

A system was developed where senior cadets aged 16 or older were temporarily enrolled in the RCAF/CF on short-term contracts and given the rank of Acting Corporal.

A new embellished brass cap badge was issued and air cadet wings were worn on the left breast rather than the right.

The Cadet Program Update (CPU) brings new teaching materials and incorporates more contemporary educational and youth development methods.

These DPs mark the development of their cognitive abilities from a purely experienced-based (i.e. "hands-on") method of learning to abstract problem-solving and competency.

The selection process includes a 40-hour self-guided ground school course (culminating with a 50-question exam), a review of a cadet's file, and an interview.

Cadets who have been successful within the program have gone on to work with commercial airlines, the Canadian Forces, various courier and charter companies, and have also gone on to become instructors at various flight schools.

CTCs closed were either handed over to civilian firms, returned to their military establishments, or used for other aspects of summer training such as CAP.

Cadets with religious beliefs that require modifications to the uniform, such as those of the Sikh faith, may wear a turban in place of the standard-issue wedge cap.

Pipe band musicians are issued a Glengarry headdress, a kilt woven with the air cadet tartan, two sporrans (one hair, one leather), hosetops, and white spats.

Various accoutrements to the highland dress include a drum major's sash, a leopard skin worn on the front of the uniform like an apron, and a sgian-dubh.

For their day-to-day training dress (Field Training Uniform (FTU)), cadets are issued an air force blue beret or side cap depending on squadron with the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets sewn on it, blue elemental t-shirt, olive green tunic, olive green pants, and black multi-purpose boots.

Cadets may also be issued an olive green name tape with their last name in dark blue lettering, similar in style to those of the Canadian Armed Forces, which is sewn on the FTU tunic.

Cadets will be issued a number of uniform items to be worn in instances of cold weather, including an all-season coat, black winter gloves, and a blue toque.

Warrant Officers 2nd Class work closely with adult leadership to ensure smooth operations and the completion of all necessary tasks.

In addition, promotions to ranks below Warrant Officer Second Class no longer require a minimum standard of completion in the level-appropriate leadership performance objective.

[54] When a squadron wishes to create a cadet band, the decision to do so must be made in consultation with the sponsoring committee responsible for provision and maintenance of musical instruments.

Requirements considered include: demonstration of skills and knowledge in band drill, commands and formations, qualification of Music Proficiency Level 2, and holds the minimum rank of Flight Corporal.

Cadets may be awarded these based on criteria including bravery, citizenship, service, outstanding performance on a summer training course, and more.

A cadet who transfers from one element to another may continue to wear any medals awarded from their previous service, but in general, air cadets may be eligible for the following nine honours and awards (shown in the order of precedence):[57] In some squadrons, the ensign and squadron banner are carried by a flag party with the Flag of Canada (see image in the Local training section above), despite CF custom being for one- or two-flag parties only.

[68] Originally approved in 1941, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Ensign was modified in 1971 to incorporate the National Flag in the canton.

The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets consists of a circlet surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves, superimposed with a flying falcon, the head to the sinister (left).

The original hat badge featured an eagle surmounted by a single maple leaf, with two underlying scrolls reading "Air Cadets Canada".

[61] There are four incentive levels cadets can achieve based on their results in the fitness assessment: bronze, silver, gold, and excellence.