RAF Benson Night Flying - Message from the Station Commander

Royal Air Force Benson is fully committed to supporting military operations. 2009 saw the end of operations in Iraq for the Merlin and Puma Forces currently based here; however our commitment to operations has not reduced. The Puma Force has an enduring commitment to support the essential pre-deployment training of the British Army, both at home and abroad, whilst the Merlin Force is committed to supporting operations in Afghanistan.

I am sure that members of the public will appreciate how hard our young airmen and women are working in support of the British Army, both at home and overseas. I hope they will also understand that regular work in dangerous conditions puts a particular strain on the individuals that are deployed and on their loved ones at home. I am immensely proud of the spirit and dedication shown by the personnel at Royal Air Force Benson, and the great fortitude of their families. I am also immensely encouraged by the support shown to them by our local community; for that I offer my sincere thanks.

A large proportion of the flying in operational theatres is conducted at night using night vision goggles: a form of light-enhancing binocular strapped to the front of the aircrew helmets. Flying at night minimises the threat to the aircraft, the crew and the passengers as it is more difficult for the aircraft to be seen and therefore targeted. Flying using night vision devices is a difficult skill to acquire and, as with all flying, is a skill that is perishable. That is why we need to conduct night flying in the UK throughout the year.

New aircrew that are completing their training need to acquire the basic night vision goggle skill sets, and experienced aircrew also need to maintain that skill for use in operational theatres. Before deploying to an operational theatre such as Afghanistan, the entire crew will have to top up their skills for flying using night vision devices and to prove a safe and competent level of capability. This allows them the best possible chance of protecting themselves, their passengers, and their aircraft in a high threat environment.

As we have a constant flow of crews in to the operational theatres, there is a continual requirement for night flying training at Royal Air Force Benson. I understand that this engenders a level of noise and nuisance for those living in the Low Flying Areas in which we operate; however, we will always try to minimise disturbance wherever possible. Whilst we're unable to give exact details of aircraft movements for security reasons, the flying hours we have planned for the week ahead is available on this website for information for local residents who may be affected by our late flying schedules.

Once again I am extremely grateful for the level of support shown by our local community. My personnel are working extremely hard to produce the best helicopter support to our troops, operating in some of the most demanding and dangerous areas of the world. Please support them when you see them around the town.

Station Commander

Night Flying: Royal Air Force Benson seeks to limit the use of night flying to times when the training is absolutely necessary for our operations and if possible, geographically spread the risk of disturbance. Additionally, we always adhere to the prescribed UK Night Flying System regulations.