The Problem with Military Flying Training in the UK

This can only be described as an appalling situation in the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) and very much in the public's interest.72 Sqn flies the Texan T1 at RAF Valley, the same base that is home to 25 and IV Sqn (formerly IV Sqn) flying the Hawk T2.In 2012, I was a Flight Commander on IV Sqn which was going through an almost identical situation to that which is highlighted in this Defence Air Safety Occurrence Report (DASOR). I eventually managed to convince the boss to get an external Human Factors assessment done by the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine (RAF CAM) who came and conducted an Operational Event Analysis (a close look at flight safety). This led to the cessation of all student flying until I could train up my instructors who, as in this report, were not getting the flying currency and qualifications they required and were suffering from significant stress in the workplace.So, when the RAF tells me that they have learnt the lessons of UKMFTS during this time, this DASOR suggests otherwise.Personally, I don't believe the RAF and nor do a high number of service personnel pan-defence who sent me the same report. It doesn't seem like 'people are your greatest asset', here but it does help to clarify the RAF's retention issues.Lastly, for the author of this DASOR (who I do not know and did not send this to me), from an old grey bomber pilot - if you are taking flak, it usually means you are bang on target.(I informed the RAF that I was publishing this DASOR. This report is a Defence Air Safety Occurrence Report (DASOR) delivered through the Aviation Safety Information Management System (ASIMS) which states that 'The proactive reporting of air safety concerns by personnel from across the defence air environment (DAE) is fundamental in maintaining continual awareness of the risks facing our people.' - www.gov.uk)Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fast-jet-performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.