Central Flying School

Last updated

Central Flying School
Central flying school badge.gif
Badge of the Central Flying School
Active12 May 1912 (1912-May-12) – present
Country Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom
BranchEnsign of the Royal Air Force.svg  Royal Air Force
TypeFlying training school
RoleInstructor training and flying training oversight
Part of No. 22 Group
Stations RAF Cranwell (HQ)
RAF Shawbury (Helicopters Squadron)
Motto(s)Imprimis Praecepta (Latin: Our teaching is everlasting)
Commanders
Current
commander		 Group Captain Martin Higgins

The Central Flying School (CFS) is the Royal Air Force's primary institution for the training of military flying instructors. Established in 1912 at the Upavon Aerodrome, it is the longest existing flying training school. The school was based at RAF Little Rissington from 1946 to 1976. Its motto is Imprimis Praecepta, Latin for "The Teaching is Everlasting".

Contents

The school currently manages a series of training squadrons and the RAF Display Team.

History

CFS Folland Gnat advanced trainer at RAF Little Rissington, 1967 HS Gnat T.1 XR534 '93' CFS L.Rissington 01.10.67 edited-2.jpg
CFS Folland Gnat advanced trainer at RAF Little Rissington, 1967
CFS Gloster Meteor T.7 at RAF Coltishall, 1969 Gloster Meteor T.7 WA669 27 CFS COLT 18.09.71 edited-2.jpg
CFS Gloster Meteor T.7 at RAF Coltishall, 1969

The Central Flying School was established by the Royal Navy at Upavon Aerodrome, near Upavon, Wiltshire, on 12 May 1912. [1] The school's strength at the outset was ten Staff Officers and eighty flying students, whose course lasted for sixteen weeks. [2] Its first commandant was Captain Godfrey Paine RN, and it also trained pilots for the Royal Flying Corps, created in 1912, and the Royal Naval Air Service, 1914–1918.[ citation needed ] The school was transferred from the Southern Training Bridge to HQ Training Division on 5 January 1918 and was redesignated Flying Instructors School RAF on 23 December 1919. [3] The school was reformed on 26 April 1920 and it has been responsible for instructor training since 1920, with pilot training being delegated to the Flying Training Schools.

On 7 October 1926, the school moved from Upavon to RAF Wittering, but on 30 August 1935 it returned to Upavon [2] Due to the Second World War the school was redesignated as No. 7 Flying Instructors School RAF on 1 April 1942. [3] The school was reformed from the disbandment of the Empire Central Flying School RAF on 7 May 1946 at RAF Little Rissington.

On 1 January 1951 it consisted of: [3]
RAF Little Rissington RAF South Cerney RAF Moreton-in-Marsh
Ground Training SquadronGround Training SquadronHarvard Squadron
No. 1 Harvard SquadronNo. 1 Prentice SquadronRe-entrant Pre-CFS
No. 2 Harvard SquadronNo. 2 Prentice Squadron
Meteor FlightReserve QFI Refresher Flight
Examining Wing

Between May 1952 and 1 June 1957 the CFS was split into two, assets at Little Rissington became CFS (Advanced) with assets at South Cerney becoming CFS (Basic) by renumbering No. 2 Flying Training School RAF . On 1 November 1954 the school was transferred to No. 81 Group RAF. On 12 April 1976 the school moved to RAF Cranwell for the first time, only staying until 5 September 1977 when it moved to RAF Leeming. It then moved to RAF Scampton on 19 September 1984 and finally back to Cranwell on 31 May 1995 as part of No. 3 Flying Training School RAF [3]

The school used various airfields as Relief landing grounds such as: High Post, Alton Barnes, Overton Heath, New Zealand Farm, Manningford, Enstone, Wellesbourne Mountford, Aston Down, Kemble and Fairford. [3]

During January 1996, the Central Flying School museum moved from RAF Scampton to RAF Cranwell, where it had been based since 1985. [4]

Display teams

In 1964 the Central Flying School at RAF Little Rissington became responsible for the provision of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. This responsibility had previously been held by Fighter Command. The 'Red Pelicans' equipped with six Mk 4 Jet Provosts were given the honour of this role and became The 1964 RAF Premier Aerobatic Team. The team displayed in the UK, France, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.

During 1964 RAF Valley formed a team of five Gnats named 'The Yellow Jacks". It was decided that the Gnat team would become the Premier Team for 1965. In preparation for the handover the Red Pelicans and the Yellowjacks performed combined displays at the 1964 Farnborough Airshow.

The Yellowjacks were repainted to the well known Red colour and in 1965 the team became, the now world famous, Red Arrows.

Elementary flying training

The Primary Flying Squadron moved from South Cerney to Church Fenton on 16 January 1967. [3]

The squadron started using de Havilland Chipmunk T.10 and Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 [5] while Bulldog Squadron moved to Cranwell on 31 March 1995 and became part of No. 3 Flying Training School RAF. [3] In 2000 the Grob Tutor T.1 replaced the Scottish Aviation Bulldog as the initial trainer operated by the squadron.

Fast jet training

The training started on 1 October 1955 at Kemble as the Type Flight evolving into the Type Squadron on 10 July 1957 with a: [3]

The Folland Gnat T.1 was added and initially used at Fairford before moving to Kemble, with the Jet Provost moving from Fairford to Aston Down from 1966. The Hawker Siddeley Hawk T.1 was added and became No. 19 (Reserve Squadron) RAF on 1 October 1994. [3]

During 1976 the Folland Gnat T.1s were based at RAF Valley however during 1977 these were replaced as the CFS main advanced jet trainer by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk T.1. [ citation needed ]

From 1992 the Short Tucano T.1 took the place of the BAC Jet Provost. [6] The Tucano Squadron moved to RAF Topcliffe on 24 April 1995. [3]

The Refresher Flying Flight was formed during April 1984 at Church Fenton operating the Jet Provost and moved to Scampton during 1991 but was disbanded during 1992. The flight was re-established on 24 April 1995 within the Tucano Squadron at Topcliffe. [6] The first Shorts Tucano was delivered to the CFS on 1 September 1988. [7]

Helicopter training

Helicopter instruction began on 8 March 1954 at RAF Middle Wallop as the CFS Helicopter Flight. The flight used the Westland Dragonfly and Bristol Sycamore at RAF South Cerney in Gloucestershire from 18 June 1955 until 1 June 1957 when it moved to Little Rissington. It moved to RAF Tern Hill in August 1961. From 1966, the Westland-built Sioux helicopter began service, lasting until 1973, when replaced with the more modern Westland Gazelle HT.2s. During the 1970s the Westland Whirlwind HAR.10s were also used and the School had a detachment at RAF Valley, Anglesey, Wales for SAR and mountain rescue training. [8]

During 1974 it consisted of: [3] No. 1 Squadron with Gazelles No. 2 Squadron teaching Advanced Training No. 3 Squadron teaching SAR training at Valley

No. 2 Squadron was renamed to No. 2 (Advanced) Flying Training School RAF (2 AFTS) while at Tern Hill during February 1974 with Whirlwinds. On 29 September 1976 the Helicopter Flight and No. 2 AFTS joined to form No. 2 Flying Training School RAF at Shawbury with No. 3 Squadron at Valley becoming No. 2 SAR Training Squadron. [3]

In 1997 the Gazelle HT.2's and HT.3's were replaced by the Eurocopter Squirrel HT.1 and the Bell Griffin HT.1. RAF Shawbury has been the home of the helicopter training school since 1977, becoming the Defence Helicopter Flying School in 1997. A satellite unit of the CFS is maintained at RAF Shawbury to train and develop helicopter instructors.[ citation needed ]

The CFS also used other aircraft:

Current training squadrons

Under the new UK Military Flying Training System, provided by Ascent Flight Training, a consortium of Lockheed Martin and Babcock International, new aircraft will be procured for the pipeline: [14]

UK military aircrew from all three services start their flying careers with elementary flying training:

Prefect T1 used by UKMFTS G120 Prefect - RIAT 2017 (36273768463).jpg
Prefect T1 used by UKMFTS

Following EFT, aircrew students are streamed to either fast jet, rotary-wing or multi-engine pipelines.

Fast jet

T6 Texan-II, used under the UKMFTS contract. Hawker Beechcraft T-6C Texan II N2824B (35871033230).jpg
T6 Texan-II, used under the UKMFTS contract.

Following Fast Jet training, successful students go on to the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 or Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II.

Multi-engine

Phenom 100 used under the UKMFTS contract. 45 (R) Squadron, Embraer Phenom 100 MOD 45164825.jpg
Phenom 100 used under the UKMFTS contract.

Multi Engine students will go on to fly the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, Airbus Atlas C.1 or Airbus Voyager KC.2/3 transport aircraft or ISTAR assets like the Beechcraft Shadow R.1 or Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint.

Rotary wing

No. 1 Flying Training School (replaced Defence Helicopter Flying School in 2020).

RAF rotary wing students stream onto the Boeing CH-47 Chinook HC.4/5/6/6A.

Future system

Training

Grob Tutor Grob g115e tutor g-bywx arp.jpg
Grob Tutor

Suitable pilots are trained as Qualified Flying Instructor (QFIs) on the Grob Tutor T.1, Grob Prefect T.1 and Embraer Phenom T.1 [21] at RAF College Cranwell. Texan and Hawk QFI's are trained by CFS personnel at RAF Valley. [21] Helicopter instructors (QHI's), both pilots and rear crew, are trained at RAF Shawbury, home of No. 1 Flying Training School.

Flying instructors are awarded the Qualified Flying Instructor qualification for fixed-wing types. Helicopter instructors are referred to as Qualified Helicopter Instructors (QHI) or Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructors (QHCI).

Commandants

Central Flying School staff in January 1913 Central Flying School staff in January 1913.jpg
Central Flying School staff in January 1913

Ranks given are the highest rank the officer in command held during his tenure.

1912 to 1919

1919 to 1920 (as Commandant, Flying Instructors' School)

1920 to 1944

1946 to present

Assistant Commandants

Notable former instructors

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Barkston Heath</span> Royal Air Force station near Grantham, Lincolnshire, England

Royal Air Force Barkston Heath or RAF Barkston Heath is a Royal Air Force Relief Landing Ground under the command of RAF Cranwell near Grantham, Lincolnshire, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Shawbury</span> Royal Air Force base in Shropshire, England

Royal Air Force Shawbury, otherwise known as RAF Shawbury, is a Royal Air Force station near the village of Shawbury in Shropshire in the West Midlands of England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defence Helicopter Flying School</span> 1997–2020 UK military flying school

The Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) was a military flying school based at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, England. The school, established in 1997, was a tri-service organisation and trained helicopter aircrews for all three British armed forces. It initially used the Eurocopter Squirrel HT1 and Bell Griffin HT1 helicopters, which were retained despite the introduction of the Airbus Juno HT1 and Airbus Jupiter HT1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Little Rissington</span> Former Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire, England

Royal Air Force Little Rissington or more simply RAF Little Rissington is an Royal Air Force satellite station in Gloucestershire, England. It was once home to the Central Flying School, the Vintage Pair and the Red Arrows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Volunteer Gliding Squadron</span>

A Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) is an aircraft squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF) which provides flying training in glider aircraft for Royal Air Force Air Cadets. All current operational Volunteer Gliding Squadrons operate a sole type of aircraft, the Grob G103A Twin II Acro, a conventional winch-launched tandem-seat sailplane known by its British military designation, Viking T1.

The Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) was a research facility for British military aviation from 1918 to 1992. Established at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, the unit moved in 1939 to Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, where its work continues following privatisation as part of the Qinetiq company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 1 Flying Training School RAF</span> Military pilot training school

The No. 1 Flying Training School is the oldest military pilot training school in the world, currently used to deliver rotary training to aircrew of the British armed forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Upavon</span>

Royal Air Force Upavon or RAF Upavon is a former Royal Air Force station in Wiltshire, England. It was a grass airfield, military flight training school, and administrative headquarters of the Royal Air Force. The station opened in 1912 and closed in 1993, when it was transferred to the British Army and became known as Trenchard Lines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Flying Training Command</span> Former command of the Royal Air Force

Flying Training Command was an organization of the Royal Air Force; it controlled flight training units. The command's headquarters were at RAF Shinfield Park, Reading in Berkshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Air and Space Warfare Centre</span> Air Space Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, England

The Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) is a Royal Air Force research and testing organisation based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. It has a training branch nearby as a lodger unit of RAF Cranwell and other branches elsewhere, including at RAF High Wycombe, RAF Brize Norton, MoD Boscombe Down, and RAF Odiham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">705 Naval Air Squadron</span> Military unit

705 Naval Air Squadron was first formed as a flight in 1936 from No 447 Flight Royal Air Force and operated Swordfish torpedo bombers from battlecruisers. It achieved squadron status in 1939 before being disbanded in 1940. The squadron was re-formed briefly in 1945 and then again in 1947 as a fleet requirements unit to evaluate naval use of helicopters. Since the 1950s the squadron has been involved in the basic training of helicopter aircrew, and currently forms part of No. 1 Flying Training School at RAF Shawbury.

Air Commodore Timothy Gane Thorn,, often known as Tim Thorn and nicknamed "Tiger", is a retired Royal Air Force officer and up to January 2010 was a pilot and flying instructor at 6 Air Experience Flight at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire.

Air Commodore Simon Owen Falla, is a retired senior Royal Air Force officer. He was Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff Joint Helicopter Command from December 2006 until his retirement in June 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Luck</span> Senior Royal Air Force officer

Air Vice-Marshal Christopher James Luck is a British charity executive and retired Royal Air Force officer. He was Commandant of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell from 2013 to 2016, and Commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College from 2017 to 2019. Since 2019, he has been CEO of the Shaw Trust.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UK Military Flying Training System</span> Military unit

The UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) takes UK armed forces aircrew from initial training through elementary, basic, and advanced flying training phases, preparing them for their arrival at their designated operational aircraft units. It is operated by Ascent Flight Training, a consortium of Lockheed Martin and Babcock International under a 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract for the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD), with oversight from the MoD. The airworthiness authority for each aircraft type, for example, is fulfilled by military and civilian staff within Defence Equipment and Support. Apart from the overall contract, the main elements of the system include fixed-wing elementary, multi-engine and fast-jet pilot training, rear crew training and rotary-wing (helicopter) training.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 2 Flying Training School RAF</span> Military unit

No.2 Flying Training School is a Flying Training School (FTS) of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It is part of No. 22 (Training) Group that delivers glider flying training to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Its headquarters is located at RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire and gliding takes places from several sites throughout the UK using the Grob Viking T1. The RAF Central Gliding School is also under its command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 3 Flying Training School RAF</span> Military unit

No. 3 Flying Training School is a Royal Air Force military training school, which manages elementary flying training for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and also for the training of all non-pilot aircrew for the RAF and is home to the Central Flying School Tutor Squadron.

No. 6 Flying Training School RAF is a Flying Training School (FTS) within No. 22 (Training) Group of the Royal Air Force that delivers flying training to University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights.

This is the structure of the Royal Air Force, as of October 2020.

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Lake 1999, p. 44.
  2. 1 2 Hugh Soar, Straight & True (2012), p. 87
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 88.
  4. ↑ March 1997, p. 86.
  5. ↑ Thetford 1995, p. 398.
  6. 1 2 Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 255.
  7. ↑ March 1989, p. 89.
  8. ↑ Green 1976, p. 13.
  9. ↑ Sturtivant 1987, p. 246.
  10. ↑ Sturtivant 1987, p. 247.
  11. ↑ Sturtivant 1987, p. 248.
  12. ↑ Sturtivant 1987, p. 249.
  13. ↑ Sturtivant 1987, p. 250.
  14. ↑ "News & Press". Ascent Flight Training. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  15. ↑ "Prefect T.1".
  16. ↑ "72 Squadron".
  17. ↑ "45 Squadron".
  18. ↑ "705 Naval Air Squadron | Royal Navy".
  19. ↑ "60 Squadron".
  20. ↑ "202 Squadron".
  21. 1 2 "Royal Air Force". Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  22. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  23. ↑ "The Royal Air Force - History Section". Archived from the original on 13 July 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2007.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Bagshaw et al. 2006, p. 22.
  25. ↑ "Air Vice-Marshal Freddie Hazlewood". The Daily Telegraph. 29 July 2007.
  26. ↑ O’Neill, Sean (14 December 2018). "Red Arrows commander still flying high after speedy cancer scan saved him cancer" . The Times. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  27. ↑ "royal flying | flying corps | flying school | 1912 | 0776 | Flight Archive". www.flightglobal.com. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012.
  28. ↑ "H M Trenchard_P". rafweb.org.
  29. ↑ "No. 28873". The London Gazette . 18 August 1914. p. 6496.
  30. ↑ "T I Webb_Bowen_P". rafweb.org.
  31. ↑ "No. 28901". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 September 1914. p. 7284.
  32. ↑ "No. 29094". The London Gazette . 9 March 1915. p. 2368.
Bibliography

53°01′53″N0°29′36″W / 53.0314°N 0.4934°W / 53.0314; -0.4934

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.