Flying Squadrons Return To Royal Air Force Wittering

[Gary]

05 February 2015

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Flying Squadrons returned to Royal Air Force Wittering on Wednesday 4th February 2015 and the famous Cambridgeshire Station has returned to full time flying operations.



A very chilly afternoon saw the landing of six Grob Tutor aircraft, the first aeroplanes to be permanently based at RAF Wittering since the retirement of the Harrier in December 2010.

The aircraft belong to Cambridge University Air Squadron, the University of London Air Squadron and No. 5 Air Experience Flight, and are used for Elementary Flying Training.

Flying training is the hallmark of RAF Wittering’s near 100-year history. The Station hosted training units in 1917, again in 1927 when it was home to the Central Flying School, and once more in 1935 with No. 11 Flying Training School.



Of course, it is at RAF Wittering where fledgling Harrier pilots were taught to fly the world famous jump-jet when they joined 233 Operational Conversion Unit, which later became 20 (R) Squadron.

Now it is the turn of units from No. 3 Flying Training School, an RAF organisation headquartered at RAF Cranwell, responsible for the Elementary Flying Training of novice pilots from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

After landing, the Tutors were towed into the historic Gaydon hangar, which housed the mighty V-Bombers during the fifties and sixties. The hangar has been extensively refitted for the new aircraft, which will eventually number around 25.

Squadron Leader Ben Plank is the commanding officer of the University of London Air Squadron, and one of the first pilots to land at his squadron’s new home. He said: “It’s great to be here. RAF Wittering is going to be a brilliant home for us.”



He added: “So much of Wittering’s history has been about flying training, it feels right to be here. The new facilities are first class, and you can see just how hard the Station has prepared for our arrival, for ex Harrier guys like myself it’s great.”

The Station’s preparations have been extensive and thorough, starting with the reactivation of the airfield and air traffic control, through to the installation of radar and the construction of two new buildings for the incoming Squadrons.

Wing Commander James Lapsley is the officer responsible for readying RAF Wittering for its return to flying. He said; ”This has been a massive task and it’s involved almost every section on the Station, but we’ve done it.”

He added; “The measure of our success will be seen in a year’s time, when the new squadrons have fully integrated with the Station and flying is as much a part of life at RAF Wittering as it was in the Harrier and V-Bomber days.”



RAF Wittering’s primary role is the headquarters of the A4 Expeditionary Logistics and Engineering Force, which is the Station’s dominant unit and supports deployed air operations across the globe.

The Station Commander is Group Captain Alexander. He said; “I think we need to recognise just how remarkable this event is; not just in terms of its historical significance, but also in terms of the work that’s been done to bring us to this stage.”

He continued; “The reactivation of a military airfield is a very rare thing, but air power is why we’re here. The A4 Force enables and supports deployed air power; and the cadets and students who learn to fly here could well become the pilots we support on deployed ops in years to come.”

Editor: Ed Palmer

Photographs: SAC Sarah Jones

The Royal Air Force University Air Squadron.

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2015

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Info from RAF website

[oswinclose]

Excellent news. God forbid I should ever be pedantic but as my military service was with the Army I have to take issue with the news article which states that:

"Now it is the turn of units from No. 3 Flying Training School, an RAF organisation headquartered at RAF Cranwell, responsible for the Elementary Flying Training of novice pilots from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force"

The ab initio training for Naval and Army pilots takes place at the JEFTS based at Barkston Heath which is controlled by a sqn from 1 EFTS at Cranwell.

Have I got this wrong, would not be the first or last time.

[ColintheCaterpillar]

"Now it is the turn of units from No. 3 Flying Training School, an RAF organisation headquartered at RAF Cranwell, responsible for the Elementary Flying Training of novice pilots from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force"

The ab initio training for Naval and Army pilots takes place at the JEFTS based at Barkston Heath which is controlled by a sqn from 1 EFTS at Cranwell.

Have I got this wrong, would not be the first or last time.

Yes you have got it wrong.

AAC and FAA training takes place (currently) at Barkston, by 674 Sqn AAC and 703NAS respectively. These units, although commanded by AAC and RN officers, come under the command of OC 3FTS (a Gp Capt) and his predominantly RAF staff. 3FTS is part of 22(Trg) Gp, RAF.

1 EFTS ceased to exist 3 or 4 years ago (JEFTS quite some time before that). 3FTS is responsible for all EFT and MEPT (45(R) Sqn). Until last year it had the Air Cadet gliders too.

[romeo bravo]

Flying at last.......

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/p ... -1-6640747

Just got to wait for later in the year when cadets get airborne.

[ColintheCaterpillar]

Flying at last.......

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/p ... -1-6640747

Just got to wait for later in the year when cadets get airborne.

The article may be a little inaccurate. I believe cadet flying is already taking place, but as it has been weekdays only it's been CCF rather than ATC.

[romeo bravo]

I did find it interesting reading especially when it said weekend flying would commence on 21 Mar, yet our Wing had a flying slot at 5AEF cancelled earlier in the week for 21 Mar due to 'problems'.

Funnt how CCF get up and Air Cadets don't.......

Heard it down to weekend cover for air tragic control and fire services.

[ColintheCaterpillar]

It's swings and roundabouts really. After the last return to flight, at some places AEF was weekends only, and the CCF missed out hugely.