10 AEF fly the Grob Tutor aircraft, which it gained in 2001; prior to that it was equipped with the Scottish Aviation Bulldog from 1996 and the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk from 1958 - 1996.

Pilots apply to join an AEF through Headquarters Air Cadets and undergo security and Criminal Records Bureau checks (which all ACO adult staff have every five years).

Past AEF flight commanders have held the rank of Squadron Leader, the last being Sqn Ldr Martin Mayer RAF(R), a former OC of the Empire Test Pilot School at MoD Boscombe Down.

[citation needed] 10 AEF is assisted by a team of Survival Equipment Fitters (occasionally referred to as Squippers), from Babcock International; all have previous regular military service.

After a probationary period flight staff are issued a set of flying kit, comprising flight jacket/cold weather jacket (olive green), white knee-boards and clear plastic covers (for recording details in the aircraft or on the taxiway), flying gloves (white), flying suit, aircrew socks and aircrew roll neck top and no1 RAF airmans/ airwomens cap.

Boots (not necessarily the flying type, but these are preferred) and unit/name badges are worn by both Pilots and Flight Staff.

Non-AC flights are usually smaller and generally serve CCF units or ATC Sqnadrons organised special slots.