First Royal Navy Observer Students Graduate Under UKMFTS

A group of four Royal Navy Observer students have become the first to graduate from the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) after completing their training at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.

It was the culmination of several months of training at RNAS Culdrose and Royal Air Force Barkston Heath for the three officers, with exercises carried out in Grob Tutor 115 and Beechcraft King Air 350ER ‘Avenger’ T Mk1 aircraft.

The new course reduces training time and cost by introducing the latest instructional technologies. Observer training comprises low flying, navigational exercises, systems management, maritime tactical operations and multi-aircraft tactical operations. The pinnacle of the training is the multi-task phase where all previous learning is tested in fluid, rapidly changing airborne and simulated exercises that stretch the students’ skills to the limit.

The four will now go on to the RN’s Lynx helicopter Operational Conversion Unit.

“The successful completion of the Observer courses represented a significant milestone in the genesis of UKMFTS for Ascent Flight Training and our UKMFTS partners,” said Steve Griffin, Ascent’s Head of Operations & Transition.

Ascent, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Babcock International, is working with its Ministry of Defence partners to improve the different training needs of all UK military air crew, from the training of fast-jet, rotary wing and multi-engine pilots, to rear crew.  The system replaces the previous flying training programmes for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps.

Posted on: 13/01/13