Flight Operations Training Squadron

Flight Operations (Flt Ops)

With the ending of the Cold War, including 'Options for Change', 'Front Line First' and the 'Bett Report', brought about a series of close examinations of the RAF's utilization of manpower. The results provided evidence that aircrew in particular were not being employed effectively in the roles for which they had been trained at considerable cost. In essence, an increasing number of aircrew were being posted to ground appointments which could be filled by 'Specialist' personnel.

Flight Operations Training Squadron (FOTS)

Officially established on 1 April 1997, the Flight Operations Training Squadron trains Officers to fulfil a wide variety of roles within the Flight Operations (Flt Ops) Specialization. Such Officers take up key roles at Squadron, Station and Command level and are required to manage all aspects of military aircraft operations in peace, crisis and war.

The Flight Ops course is of 14 weeks duration for ab initio officers and an abbreviated 2-week course for experienced officers transferring to the specialization from other branches. Using a combination of classroom theory, practical simulator exercises and lectures from visiting specialists the course prepares the students for the dynamic and often intensive environment of the Station Flight Ops Officer.

Adventurous training and visits to front-line units further enhance the varied nature of these duties which could include operational tasking, planning for combat and expeditionary forces or the more routine day to day management of a stations' flying program.

To date, a total of more than 200 students have graduated from FOTS. They are serving throughout the UK and have gained decorations for their deployed roles in many of the current operational theatres overseas .