International Air Cadet Exchange
The International Air Cadet Exchange is an annual student exchange program designed to promote character, good-will, and cooperation among the world's civilian auxiliary aviation programs.
Abbreviation
IACE
11 April 1946
Active
To foster international understanding, goodwill and friendship among young people who have an interest in aviation
- Worldwide
Aviation
16 Official member Countries
Squadron Leader Rob Foley (New Zealand)
Hille Vita (Canada)
Brent Wolfe (Canada)
500+
Participants come from organizations such as the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets, Civil Air Patrol, German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Turkish Aeronautical Association, Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, Singapore National Cadet Corps, along with equivalent groups in other nations.
Exchange Format[edit]
Cadets spend approximately two weeks every July/August with their foreign counterparts. The first exchange occurred in 1947 between the United Kingdom and Canada.[1][2]
During the exchange, cadets are provided housing by volunteer families and on military installations in their host nation. Scheduled activities vary depending on the host nation, but often include tours of famous landmarks and cultural institutions, tours of local aviation facilities or factories, lectures with local aviation figures and visits to military units. Financially, each nation is responsible for its own cadets, and often comes from governments, civilian aviation enthusiasts, or aerospace industry.
According to its mission statement, the Exchange exists to promote more than a love of aviation. Character development is equally important. Cadets develop a better perspective on the challenges other countries face. The friendships they make through the Exchange help the world combat hatred and intolerance. Through the Exchange, cadets grow to understand and appreciate the roles different nations play in aerospace, as well as build international understanding, goodwill, and friendship among young people who have a common interest in aviation.
Australian Participants[edit]
The AAFC exchanges with the following countries – United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, France, South Korea, Turkey and the Netherlands.
Each year up to 35 cadets and instructors (escorts) are selected to represent the AAFC on various overseas visits. The people chosen act as ambassadors for Australia and the AAFC. Once exchange members are met at the designated entry city, they are the guests of the host organisation which will provide all accommodation, food and travel during the course of the program. The itinerary will give visitors the experience of places and cultural events not usually available to ordinary tourists.
Australia also hosts a reciprocal visit each year from the air cadet organisations AAFC visited. HQAAFC organises the event and, in addition to the visitors, a cadet from each of the other Wings is selected to attend. These tours are great fun with visits to such places as the city of Canberra, ADFA, Australian War Memorial, Australia Zoo, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, and local defence bases (which often include the opportunity to fly in Service Aircraft).