Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to join, a prospective Cadet must be:

  1. Between the ages of 12 and 18
  2. A legal resident of Canada
  3. Have proof of health insurance
  4. Be medically, physically and psychologically fit to join Cadets and participate in related training and/or activities
  5. Be of good moral character

Enrolment period

We take on new Recruits each September. Based on the number of new members, we may have a second intake in November.

Due to the high demand for the program we run very specific recruit intake windows. Look for more information on the website over the summer to find out more.

Waiting list

If you are interested in joining 540 Golden Hawks in the future please complete the following form and we will contact you regarding our next intake. Please use a valid email address that is checked frequently so that you do not miss any communication from us.

Providing your information below indicates interest but does not commit your son/daughter to joining the program.

Sign Up!

Fee payment & donations

This Cadet fee payment & donation covers the cost of facilities, national assessment fees, and special equipment over and above what the Department of National Defence provides, and helps elevate the calibre of training opportunities 540 Squadron can offers its Cadets.

Should you require financial assistance, you may contact in confidence the Commanding Officer at [email protected]. Refer to our Financial Support to Cadets policy for more details.

Submitting this payment form is separate from applying for membership with the Squadron, as detailed in the next steps.

Frequently asked questions

We take on new Recruits each September, followed by a second intake in November.

Due to the high demand for the program we run very specific recruit intake windows. Look for more information on the website over the summer to find out more.

On a weekly basis, Cadets are only required to attend Tuesday evenings from 1830 – 2130 hrs.

In addition to Tuesdays, there are occasional weekend activities such as our weekend field training exercises (FTXs), Remembrance Day Parades, or fundraising events organized by our Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC).

We offer a number of extra-curricular activities, teams, and events that cadets are not required to attend, but are highly encouraged to so in order to maximize the value the Cadet Program can provide.

Visit the About page to find out more about what we do.

Due to the distance and logistical stress involved with transporting Cadets to training, we recommend that families outside of Oakville join a local Air Cadet Squadron.

The cities of Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga all have thriving Air Cadet Squadrons that run excellent programs.

The Cadet Program is an all inclusive and accommodating program.

We encourage you to speak to our recruiting staff in person on a Tuesday training night or email us with any questions.

Frequently asked questions

We take on new Recruits each September, followed by a second intake in November.

Due to the high demand for the program we run very specific recruit intake windows. Look for more information on the website over the summer to find out more.

On a weekly basis, Cadets are only required to attend Tuesday evenings from 1830 – 2130 hrs.

In addition to Tuesdays, there are occasional weekend activities such as our weekend field training exercises (FTXs), Remembrance Day Parades, or fundraising events organized by our Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC).

We offer a number of extra-curricular activities, teams, and events that cadets are not required to attend, but are highly encouraged to so in order to maximize the value the Cadet Program can provide.

Visit the About page to find out more about what we do.

Due to the distance and logistical stress involved with transporting Cadets to training, we recommend that families outside of Oakville join a local Air Cadet Squadron.

The cities of Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga all have thriving Air Cadet Squadrons that run excellent programs.

The Cadet Program is an all inclusive and accommodating program.

We encourage you to speak to our recruiting staff in person on a Tuesday training night or email us with any questions.

I am 540

I learned how to sleep outdoors atlearned how to iron a shirt atbecame an expert marksman atwon an effective speaking competiton atflew in a WW2 plane because ofwent to summer training for 6 weeks atlearned self-discipline atmade life long friends atgot my pilot license atcan speak in front of crowds because ofcan teach a class of 30 because ofam 540