With the implementation of the UK Military Flying Training System at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, there will be a new aircraft taking over from the familiar Jetstream currently flying with 750 Naval Air Squadron.  In 2011 the King Air 350 will replace the Jetstream which has been in service with 750 Squadron for 30 years and to celebrate this, a special 30th anniversary event took place at RNAS Culdrose on Tuesday 13 October at which there was a flypast of six Jetstreams from 750 Squadron and a special cake was cut by two members of the squadron, Roger McDonald one of the most experienced pilots, and Sub lieutenant Hannah Best, one of the youngest students.

Senior guests from the Royal Navy and industry attended various briefings and presentations on the work of 750 Squadron and its future, focusing on the UK Military Flying Training System which is being introduced to rationalise military flying training across the three armed services.

The training course at 750 Naval Air Squadron combines navigation, airmanship, crew resource management, radio, radar and limited basic tactical skills.  It is consolidated with classroom instruction and exercises in the computer controlled procedures trainer, which is a ground based copy of the aircraft’s navigation console.

Delivered under a Partnership agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Ascent Flight Training, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Vosper Thorneycroft Group, the United Kingdom Military Flying Training System will replace the present flying training arrangements for the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army Air Corps.  The contract, worth £52M, will provide future employment opportunities for local civilians and further secures the long-term future of RNAS Culdrose.              

On completion of the course, Royal Naval student Observers graduate to the Aircraft Conversion and Operational Conversion phases of training, specialising in systems and warfare skills required to fight the Merlin Maritime Patrol helicopter, Sea King Mk7 Airborne Surveillance and Control helicopter or the Lynx Mk 8 helicopter.  Finally after the years of training these airborne warfare Officers take on the role of a front line Royal Naval Observer.  This role combines a comprehensive range of skills essential for the control and coordination of ships, aircraft and weapon systems on the front line.

Source: Royal Navy