Nos 16 (R), 57 (R) and 85 (R) Elementary Flying Training Squadrons

The 3 Elementary Flying Training Squadrons employ a total of 33 qualified flying instructors to train up to 160 RAF student pilots every year. No 16(R) Sqn is based at RAF College Cranwell, 57(R) Sqn is at RAF Wyton and 85(R) Sqn is at Church Fenton. They all operate the Grob 115E (Tutor), supplied and maintained under contract by VTAerospace. The EFT course, which includes just over 60 hours of instruction and takes about 4 months to complete, prepares student pilots for the next phase of training on fast jet, rotary or multi-engine aircraft.