Central Flying School
The Central Flying School (CFS) is the Royal Air Force's primary institution for the training of military flying instructors. Established in 1912 it is the longest existing flying training school.
History
It was established at Upavon Aerodrome, near Upavon, Wiltshire on 12 May 1912. It was later based at RAF Little Rissington, from 1946 to 1976. The CFS's first commandant was Captain Godfrey Paine RN. It has been responsible for instructor training since 1920, with pilot training being delegated to the Flying Training Schools.
When the Red Arrows, the RAF's sole aerobatic team was formed by amalgamation of other teams, the responsibility was transferred to the CFS from Fighter Command. The Red Arrows moved to RAF Scampton in 1983 when the CFS was moved there and out in 1995- though the Red Arrows returned in 2000.
Helicopter training
Helicopter instruction began in 1955 on the Westland Dragonfly and Bristol Sycamore at RAF South Cerney in Gloucestershire. It moved to RAF Ternhill in August 1961. From 1966, the Westland-built Sioux helicopter began service, lasting until 1973, when replaced with the Aérospatiale Gazelle, much more reminiscent of modern-day helicopters. In 1997 the Gazelle was replaced by the Squirrel (Eurocopter AS350), and the Griffin (Bell 412) is also used. RAF Shawbury was used as the helicopter training school from 1977, becoming a separate organisation from 1997.
Aircraft
From 1993, the Tucano took over the place of the BAC Jet Provost. In 1977 the Gnat was replaced by the Hawk. In 2000, the Tutor replaced the Bulldog.
Training
All fixed-wing training begins with the No.1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS), which flies the Grob Tutor. Army and Navy pilots start at the Defence Elementary Flying Training School (DEFTS) at RAF Barkston Heath where they fly the Slingsby T-67 Firefly. From Cranwell, training begins on the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse (1 FTS).
Helicopter pilots progress to RAF Shawbury, home of the Defence Helicopter Flying School.
Flight instructors are awarded the Qualified Flying Instructor qualification.
Commandants
1912 to 1919
1919 to 1920 (as Commandant, Flying Instructors' School)
1920 to 1944
1946 to present
- 1951 Air Commodore Anthony Selway
- 1961 Air Commodore Hugh Connolly
- 1963 Air Commodore H A C Bird-Wilson
- 1968 Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom
- 1970 Air Vice-Marshal Freddie Hazlewood[2]
- 1974 Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Severne
- 1983 Air Commodore John Kemball
- 2007 Group Captain Nick Seward
- 2009 Group Captain Simon Blake
Assistant Commandants
Notable former instructors
See also
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Taylor, John W R (1987) [1958]. Central Flying School, Birthplace of Air Power. Jane's Publishing. ISBN 0710604866.
External links
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