The Station

RAF Syerston is home to 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS), encompassing the headquarters and the RAF Central Gliding School which provides training for members of the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons.

RAF Syerston has four satellite airfields at RAF Kenley, RAF Kirknewton, RAF Little Rissington and RAF Topcliffe, from which it operates the Viking T Mk 1 glider and Robin DR400 aerotow aircraft.

Each 2 FTS airfield is encompassed within a Drone Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ), which extends around the aerodrome boundary. It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within these restricted zones unless you have the permission of the RAF Syerston Aerodrome Operator. Further information on FRZs can be obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority website:

https://nats-uk.ead-it.com/cms-nats/opencms/en/uas-restriction-zones/#UAS_Flight_Restriction_Zones

Requests for commercial drone flights within a 2 FTS FRZ (RAF Syerston or any satellite airfield) may be requested for consideration by contacting the 2 FTS Drone FRZ email, with at least three working days notice:

[email protected]

Excel in duties

Commander

Station Commander and Commandant 2 Flying Training School

Group Captain Barry (Baz) Dale LLM MA LLB CMgr FRAeS RAF

Group Captain Baz Dale assumed command on 1 March 2019, and is Station Commander / Head of Establishment for RAF Syerston, RAF Kenley, RAF Kirknewton, RAF Little Rissington, and RAF Topcliffe.

Baz previously enjoyed four tours as a Tornado GR1 & GR4 Pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor and Command Instrument Rating Examiner.  He commanded 72(F) Squadron, training the next generation of fast-jet pilots at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, and undertook numerous Joint or Combined staff and operational tours over his career. 

Address

RAF Syerston, Newark, NG23 5NN.

Who's based here

Units

Central Gliding School is part of 2 Flying Training School. The unit teaches Qualified Gliding Instructors who will go on to teach RAF Air Cadets gliding at locations around the country. Central Gliding School is also responsible for upholding instructor standards.

Where we parent

In Scotland, it is home to 661 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.

Located in Gloucestershire, acts as a satellite airfield for RAF Syerston and is home to 637 VGS. The site is also used by nearby RAF Brize Norton as a parachute training area and by Joint Helicopter Command for helicopter training.

RAF Topcliffe

Kenley, in South London, acts as a satellite airfield for RAF Syerston and is home to 615 VGS flying the Viking T Mk 1 glider. It is famous for its role as an RAF fighter airfield in the Battle of Britian.

History

RAF Syerston initially opened as a Bomber Command station in 1940 operating Wellington, Manchester and Lancaster bombers. Post-war Syerston became a training base, eventually transferring to Flying Training Command and 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS) operating Jet Provosts. 

Syerston was put on under care and maintenance from 1971 until it reopened in January 1975 for light aircraft and gliding operations. Syerston is currently a station in its own right, having previously been a satellite airfield of RAF College Cranwell.

Since January 2014, RAF Syerston saw the return of 2 FTS, and has been home to 2 FTS Headquarters, the RAF Central Gliding School (CGS) and 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.  The Central Flying School (CFS) (Gliding Examiners) also maintains an examining unit at the Station.

In November 2025, the last remaining 'H-Block' (Barrack Block known as Building 58) remaining from WWII, was renamed The GIBSON Building, in recognition of the role of Wg Cdr Guy Gibson during his time at RAF Syerston, before leaving to serve at RAF Scampton, as Officer Comanding 617 (Dambusters) Sqn.

Key dates

1940   Station opened

1943   Station used for training bomber crews

1945   Handed to Transport Command

1955   22 Flying Training School became 2 Flying Training School

1975   Central Gliding School moved to the Station

2014   2 Flying Training School reformed at RAF Syerston