The 7th September 2015 marked the re-birth of No 6 Flying Training School (6 FTS), having been disbanded in 1996.

The new role of 6 FTS is to Command and manage the RAF University Air Squadrons (UAS) located across the UK. Specifically, 6 FTS will deliver annual flying and ground training to 1000 UAS students and Air Experience Flying (AEF) to 25,000 Air Cadets. These functions are being transferred from 3 FTS, whose role will be linked to the new RAF Military Flying Training School (MFTS), due to stand-up in 2017. The Grob Tutor 115E will remain the mainstay aircraft of the UAS organisation.

A key task for 6 FTS is to recruit 30% of entrants into RAF Officer Training to ensure that the RAF recruits the ‘Best and the Brightest’ that universities have to offer. Students undergo flying training, military education, adventurous training, sporting activities and Force Development to expose them to the career and lifestyle opportunities that the RAF has to offer. For those who decide the RAF is not for them, it is hoped that time on the UAS will have left an indelible and positive impression which people will take into a civilian career.

University Air Squadrons continue to be a public face of the RAF, conveying positive messages to the general public. For many of the students their proudest moments are wearing their RAF uniforms and parading through home towns.

The Commandant RAF College Cranwell, Air Commodore Chris J Luck, attended the ‘Standing-up’ ceremony held at RAF Wittering, also the home of London and Cambridge UAS and 5 AEF. He offered congratulations to the first Commandant of the re-formed 6 FTS, Group Captain Andrew (Chas) Dickens, who said: “It is a privilege, as Commandant 6 FTS, to command the 15 UAS around the United Kingdom as well as providing 25,000 Air Cadets with Air Experience Flying. It is our long term goal to provide the right environment to attract and enthuse future talent into a career with the Royal Air Force."

Brand new facilities at RAF Wittering showcase the desire to provide the 'Best and the Brightest' with the best facilities to take their UAS careers forward.

Editor: Rosaleen King

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