On 7th May 2021, a total of 23 tri-Service aircrew graduated from Number 1 Flying Training School (No. 1 FTS) at RAF Shawbury.
The parade celebrated the successful completion of flying training for the 17 pilots, 2 aircrewman and 4 Weapon System Operators. Not even the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus could dampen the spirits of the graduates as they proudly marched on to the parade to receive their flying badges and certificates, in front of their instructors and colleagues.
The Reviewing Officer for the Graduation parade was astronaut and former Army helicopter pilot Colonel Tim Peake CMG, who was recently appointed Honorary Colonel of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (9AAC) by Her Majesty The Queen. This prestigious Regiment is the Battlefield Helicopter Wing within No. 1 FTS and delivers advanced helicopter performance techniques and tactical training to the trainee pilots, crewman and observers from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
Colonel Peake was delighted to present the graduates with their flying badges and certificates.
“What a wonderful honour to present the wings today; it took me back to my own wings parade and I know how much this day means to them. I am very proud of what they have achieved, and they should be rightly proud as well. This is the culmination of a huge amount of effort and something they have been working towards for many years. I am excited for them all; they have great careers ahead of them and a really exciting journey.”
Colonel Tim Peake
Although this was Colonel Peake’s first visit to 9AAC in his capacity as Honorary Colonel, he is no stranger to the base, having previously graduated as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor from the Central Flying School (Helicopter) Squadron. Colonel Peake received a warm welcome from the Commanding Officer of 9AAC, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Pearce AAC who was delighted to show Colonel Peake the world-leading training now being delivered to the next generation of military aircrew in the Duke of Cambridge Building.
Since 1st April 2018, the Rotary Wing element of the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley has been delivered via a contract with Ascent, who sub-contract to Airbus Helicopters. A modern fleet of 29 Juno (H135) and 7 Jupiter (H145) helicopters fitted with glass cockpit technology and an advanced touchscreen avionics suite support this world-class military flying training solution. Ascent has also delivered state-of-the-art infrastructure housing advanced Flying Training Devices (FTD), where the trainees learn many of their skills before getting airborne.
“It was an honour to welcome our Honorary Colonel to 9AAC for the first time. With his background in both space and aviation, he will be an excellent ambassador and an inspiration to the trainee aircrew starting out in their careers. The Regiment is looking forward to a long and successful association with Colonel Peake.”
Lieutenant Colonel Pearce
Commanding Officer 9AAC
"Congratulations to all those graduating today. This is a very special occasion for these talented aircrew who have performed superbly throughout their training, despite the challenges of Covid-19. I wish them good luck in their future careers as they join their Operational Conversion Units and then on towards the front line."
Group Captain Phil Wadlow
Commandant of No. 1 FTS
