RAF Brize Norton News

XXIV Squadron Delivering World Leading Training for the Air Mobility Force and Defence

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, XXIV Squadron has continued to deliver essential aircrew and engineering training.

Students undergoing training at XXIV Squadron in line with social distancing guidelines
Students undergoing training at XXIV Squadron in line with social distancing guidelines

Over the last 14 weeks, XXIV Squadron personnel have worked tirelessly with other Squadrons to put into place the appropriate safety mitigations to ensure training continued to enable operations for Defence.

Delivering aircrew and engineer training for the Air Mobility Force (AMF), keeping the frontline supplied with qualified individuals who are trained to the highest standards by some of the best instructors in the RAF.  Despite the challenges the pandemic brought, XXIV Squadron have taken the time to embrace new ways of working from online training delivery to condensed aircrew training serials.

A new C-130J Borescope Training Course is developed and piloted during the pandemic.
A new C-130J Borescope Training Course is developed and piloted during the pandemic

The C-130J Hercules Flight have completed a huge amount of training under exceptionally challenging circumstances, for both the instructors planning the training and the students undertaking some very high tariff training. They have completed the initial Basic Operational Conversion Unit Course, Night Vision Goggles and a range of operationally essential courses, alongside vital parachuting exercises which would normally be conducted overseas.

XXIV Squadron following Government guidelines and ensuring hand sanitiser is available in all training facilities.
XXIV Squadron following Government guidelines and ensuring hand sanitiser is available in all training facilities

The A400M ‘Atlas’ Flight have been busy redesigning essential training programmes to minimise risks to personnel. Producing a shortened Delivery Duty Holder-endorsed quarterly refresher package, including a new four-hour simulator package in order to reduce the contact time between pilots and instructors. The team also conducted a range of courses including two Maritime courses, co-pilot to captain and non-permissive air transport.

Other areas of the Squadron have also worked at a high tempo including the Maintainer Training School, running 14 separate courses and the Instructor Development Flight delivering coaching and mentoring, ensuring the future instructors of the AMF are grown in line with the Force Commanders direction.

Pictured, one of the A400M Atlas Simulators that are utilised within the training programmes XXIV Squadron delivers.
Pictured, one of the A400M Atlas Simulators that are utilised within the training programmes XXIV Squadron delivers

Wing Commander Andy McIntyre, Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron said:

“The Squadron has in real terms never been busier and, despite a brief pause to reconfigure, has maintained output. COVID-19 has affected everyone across the UK in different ways and I'm extremely proud of the way the Squadron has pulled together with our embedded Reservists and Contractors to innovate, reshape and safely deliver our essential training outputs for the AMF and Defence. Every one of the Staff and Students of XXIV Squadron has adapted and overcome challenges to ensure that the Squadron lives up to its traditions and motto.”

In Omnia Parati; Prepared for All Things.

Wing Commander Andy McIntyre
Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron

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