TRAINING & ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Three units train and prepare RAF aircrew for front-line SAR duties. The Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU), based at RAF Valley, is part of the contracted Defence Helicopter Flying School. Basic SAR training for pilots and rearcrew is provided using the Griffin helicopter, which is a military derivative of the Bell Textron 412EP. Sea King conversion flying training and simulator work is carried out by 203 (Reserve) Sqn, also based at RAF Valley. 203 (Reserve) Sqn and the SAR Force HQ re-located to RAF Valley in mid-2008. All major scheduled engineering for the RAF Sea Kings takes place the Defence Aircraft Repair Agency at Fleetlands in Hampshire.