No.1 Elementary Flying Training School

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Number 1 Elementary Flying Training School
Grob Tutor & crest of 1EFTS
Active
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Role	Elementary Flying Training
Part of	RAF Air Command
Garrison/HQ	RAFC Cranwell
Motto	Ab Initio
Equipment	Grob 115E Tutor T.Mk1 , Slingsby T-67 Firefly
Insignia
Abbreviation	1 EFTS

No 1 Elementary Flying Training School (1 EFTS) has its Headquarters at Rauceby Lane, Royal Air Force Cranwell. The School is responsible for fixed wing elementary flying training for pilots of all 3 UK armed forces and for pilots from some overseas countries. 1 EFTS includes 3 EFT Sqns, at Cranwell, Wyton and Church Fenton; the Defence Elementary Flying Training School (DEFTS) - 703 Naval Air Squadron and 674 Squadron Army Air Corps - based at Royal Air Force Barkston Heath; the Central Flying School (CFS) Elementary Squadron, as well as 14 University Air Squadrons (UASs) based at 12 different locations around the country. 1 EFTS is also responsible for providing assets to Army flying grading at Middle Wallop and RAF Multi-Engine Lead-In (MELIN) at RAF Cranwell.

The EFT squadrons train all of the RAF's new pilots ready for streaming to fast jet, rotary or multi-engine training. They also train some overseas pilots. In addition, No 1 Sqn provides navigation training for ab-inito WSOs on behalf of 55 (R) Squadron. The CFS Elementary Sqn trains and maintains the standards of the QFIs who serve on all EFT Sqns and the UASs. The EFT Sqns and the CFS Elementary Sqn operate the Grob 115E (Tutor) ac, supplied and maintained under contract by VT Aerospace. DEFTS is tasked to train up to 130 Army and Royal Navy student pilots every year. It is supported by a civilian contract with Babcock plc and operates the Firefly T67M260 aircraft.

The UASs provide personal development and leadership training for up to 1000 student members, who also have the opportunity to learn to fly. They also mentor the sponsored undergraduate students of all Royal Air Force branches. Incorporated within the UASs are 12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs), which provide flying experience for ATC and CCF cadets. The UASs also fly the Grob 115E, within the VTAe contract.

The organization flies some 60,000 hours each year and is responsible for 120 flying instructors, 250 AEF pilots and 1,100 students.