History - Shropshire to Present Day

CFS(H) Moves To Shropshire

In August 1961, the CFS(H) Squadron moved from South Cerney to RAF Tern Hill in Shropshire as part of an expansion programme and became a wing with 2 squadrons. One was the training squadron with basic and advanced phases for both pilot and QHI training, and the other the Standards squadron responsible for QHI re-categorisations and standards for all helicopter units across the three Services. By the first quarter of 1962 the expansion was complete. The training squadron was split into two separate squadrons, No 1 Squadron for basic pilot / QHI training and No 2 Squadron for advanced pilot / QHI training. Standards became No 3 Squadron.

The inventory of CFS(H) during the first half of 1961 was fourteen aircraft, two Dragonflys, two Whirlwinds (Mk2 and 4), eight Sycamores and two Skeeters (T11 and T12). In November 1961, CFS(H) took delivery of the first turbine engined helicopter, the Whirlwind Mk10.

By 1965 the demand for Sycamore pilots had fallen; with its central collective and its tendency to roll to port on take-off, the aircraft was not popular and there was considerable pressure at CFS(H) to replace with the Sioux. During May to August 1966 CFS(H) got its wish and the Sioux took over the basic role , with the Whirlwind being utilised in the advanced phase.

In February 1968 CFS(H)'s inventory consisted of ten Sioux and sixteen Whirlwinds. The Sioux was eventually phased out in December 1973 and straight through training was conducted with the Whirlwind. No 138 Basic Course was the last course to use the Sioux.

In October 1972, the two squadrons at RAF Tern Hill carrying out both pilot and QHI training were re-organised. No 1 Squadron now dealt with pilot training, having a basic and advanced flight, whilst QHI training was placed in the hands of the new CFS(H) Sqn, again with two flights, a basic and advanced.

July 1973 saw the arrival at CFS(H) Sqn of yet another aircraft type, the Gazelle (SA340) the product of part of an Anglo-French deal involving the Puma. The Gazelle gave great service to the Squadron before being withdrawn from service in 1997 to be replaced by the Squirrel (AS350B).

In 1992 the Squadron introduced a course to train Qualified Helicopter Navigator Instructors (QHNIs) and, subsequently, a Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) Course, both courses being primarily for the RAF. QHNI training was carried out in the Squirrel and QHCI flying on the Griffin (Bell 412), which replaced the Wessex in 1997. QHNI training has now finished with the planned demise of the navigator in the rotary world.

Present Day

The present day CFS(H) Squadron runs 5 courses a year with approximately 12 pilots and 2 crewmen on each course. The pilots consist mostly of an even mixture of RAF, Royal Navy, Army and foreign Service pilots. The newly graduated instructors are awarded a B2 category, a probationary grade which should be upgraded to B1 after some 6-9 months of practical instruction on their respective units. Unlike CFS fixed wing squadrons, where instructors are taught on the aircraft on which they will eventually instruct, CFS(H) graduates are as likely to find themselves teaching basic students as they are teaching advanced exercises on a front line operational squadron. CFS(H) Sqn is therefore unique in teaching a student 'how to teach' rather than 'what to teach'.

The Staff of CFS(H) Sqn at the 50th Anniversary Dinner - 23 July 2004

The Officer Commanding is always a RAF Squadron Leader, with the remainder of the staff taken from the 3 Services. There are currently 3 RN, 3 Army and 8 RAF QHIs, and one RAF QHCI on strength . All instructors have completed at least one instructional tour, hold at least an A2 instructional category and have been selected by the Commandant CFS for their ability to give best guidance on the art of helicopter flying instruction.

The primary aim of CFS(H) Sqn is to ensure that all helicopter aircrew across the Services, and in many cases across the waters, are taught in the most professional and thorough manner possible. In its relatively short but distinguished history CFS(H) Sqn has earned itself a world wide reputation for dedication, professionalism and excellence.