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Chief of the Air Staff visits 3 Flying Training School at RAF College Cranwell

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, visited No 3 Flying Training School at RAF College Cranwell to familiarise himself with the Prefect and Phenom aircraft which were introduced earlier this year (2018) as part of the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) contract.

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During the visit ACM Hillier had the opportunity to fly in both aircraft types, and view new training equipment and facilities also introduced by MFTS.  He also took time to engage with RAF Students undergoing Flying Training, and both Military and Ascent Qualified Flying Instructors who deliver Elementary Flying Training and Multi Engine Pilot Training at RAF College Cranwell. 

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ACM Hillier completed a one-hour flight in the Grob 120TP Prefect.

"2018 is a significant year for the 3FTS, the Royal Air Force and indeed the Whole Force partnership as it is the culmination of years of hard work across the UKMFTS enterprise.  In this RAF Centenary year 3FTS has transitioned to two new aircraft types and a new way of training; in partnership with Ascent and Affinity, 3FTS has brought both the Grob 120TP ‘Prefect’ and Embraer Phenom into Service, introduced new simulators, commissioned new buildings, changed syllabi and introduced a totally new way of working. This all represents a remarkable transformation in the flying training system, not least in terms of capability.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
Chief of the Air Staff

 

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ACM Hillier also had the opportunity to fly in the Embraer Phenom TMK1; the Phenom will be used as a platform to deliver both multi-engine pilot training and multi engine rear-crew training to both UK and foreign military aircrew. Following his flight he said:

‘As a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) with glass cockpit and comprehensive navigation, communications and flight safety suite, the Phenom TMK1 will deliver a quantum leap in multi-engine flying training.  In capability, as well as cockpit layout, it will be far closer to the frontline types including Atlas, onto which its students will progress’. 
 

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
Chief of the Air Staff

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