70 Squadron is part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), a national youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Air Force. Based in Croft, Warrington, we provide young people aged 12 to 20 with training, adventure, and personal development opportunities in a structured, military-inspired environment.
Our cadets take part in a wide variety of activities including flying, fieldcraft, shooting, adventure training, leadership, first aid, radio communications, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Alongside this, we support local community events and represent the RAF Air Cadets at ceremonial occasions across Greater Manchester Wing and beyond.
The Squadron is run by a dedicated team of adult volunteers who deliver training to official RAFAC standards. We meet twice a week at our headquarters and take part in weekend activities, wing and regional competitions, and national camps. Everything we do is designed to help cadets build confidence, resilience, and transferable skills that last a lifetime.
Our History
The roots of 70 Squadron go back to 1961 when the unit was formed as a detached flight of 1330 (Warrington) Squadron to serve the Croft and Culcheth area. With growing numbers and increasing involvement in cadet activities, the flight was elevated to full squadron status in 1977, becoming 70 (Croft & Culcheth) Squadron ATC.
Since then, the Squadron has built a proud reputation within Greater Manchester Wing. Over the decades, thousands of cadets have passed through our doors, many going on to successful careers in the Royal Air Force, the Armed Forces, aviation, and across professional industries. The Squadron has always placed equal importance on community service, supporting local events such as Croft Carnival, Culcheth Community Day and forming strong links with local organisations.
70 Squadron also has a close affiliation with LXX Squadron, Royal Air Force, the historic heavy transport squadron currently operating the Airbus A400M Atlas from RAF Brize Norton. This connection provides our cadets with an important link to today’s RAF, reinforcing our identity and heritage while inspiring the next generation to aim higher.
Today, as in the past, 70 Squadron combines its strong community roots with the ethos of the RAF, giving young people a platform to achieve more than they thought possible and carrying forward a tradition of service, adventure, and excellence.