PAS 2011: Helicopter observers first to enter UK's MFTS programme

The first military aviators to enter the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) will begin training at Royal Air Force (RAF) Barkston Heath later this month.

The initial group of six Royal Navy (RN) Maritime Helicopter Observers will begin the Rear Crew Training (RCT) pipeline with a four-week Common Core Ground School course with 703 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at RAF Barkston Heath. The ground school includes instruction in topics such as aviation communication, meteorology, navigation theory, theory of flight and aircraft systems.

Following the ground course, students will transition to initial flying training and elementary navigation training, both with the Grob 115E single-engine aircraft. A 15-week basic flight training programme follows with 750 NAS at RNAS Culdrose. After successful completion of this phase the aviators will then move on to the RN’s Helicopter Operational Conversion Units

The Lockheed Martin-led Ascent Flight Training was awarded the contract to train Royal Naval Observers as part of MFTS less than two years ago. According to the consortium MFTS offers a modern and streamlined flight training solution for the UK Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps by consolidating all phases of aircrew instruction for the three services.

'This major milestone launches the first pipeline for a single training system for all three military services,' said Barry Thornton, managing director of Ascent Flight Training. 'The Rear Crew Training pipeline beginning now is one of multiple pipelines that will prepare military air crew for all air platforms with high standards and great efficiency.'

Since contract award, Ascent and its subcontractors Lockheed Martin, Babcock and Cobham, designed the training course; developed the courseware and lessons; acquired and modified four new Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft; acquired and developed new ground and airborne tactical mission trainers; introduced a new training management information system; recruited and trained both military and civilian instructors and refurbished the infrastructure at RAF Barkston Heath and Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose.

The RCT pipeline is the first in a series of training programmes the MFTS will deliver, including Advanced Jet Training, Multi-Engine Pilot Training and Rotary Training programmes.