The Press Release
21/09/2005 10:58
Ministry Of Defence (National)
REVAMP FOR UNIVERSITY AIR SQUADRONS
The future of the University Air Squadrons has been reaffirmed under
new plans announced today by Defence Minister Don Touhig.
A review of the shape and size of University Air Squadrons has
determined that the undergraduate programme can be made fairer for
University Air Squadron (UAS) students, who will no longer have to
juggle a degree with achieving the high standards expected during
formal elementary flying training.
From now on, UAS students will be offered a fuller range of personal
development and leadership training while at university. UAS students
who decide to become RAF pilots will undertake their elementary flying
training after graduation at the same time as all other pilot entrants
to the RAF.
This will provide a greater continuity of training for UAS graduates
than the current system. Currently, elementary flying training is
provided to university students during their degree.
UAS flying will increase at some bases as the training is centralised,
and it will cease at a number of bases. The changes will not of
themselves drive any airfield closures.
Up to 10 hours a year of light aircraft flying will still be available
to all UAS students. The reduction in UAS flying will allow for an
increase in Air Cadet air experience flying.
Defence Minister Don Touhig MP said:
"The changes I'm announcing today will increase the effectiveness and
efficiency of the successful University Air Squadron programme, by
making it the right shape and size for the modern RAF.
"University Air Squadron students support the changes, as the system
will become fairer. The changes will resolve the students' conflicting
pressures to achieve a good degree and the highest standard during
their elementary flying training. Instead, they can achieve both, as
well as receiving first-class personal development at university from
the RAF.
"The University Air Squadrons themselves, in turn, will now be able to
put more emphasis on the personal and leadership development of all
potential officers regardless of which branch of the RAF they wish to
enter."
Notes to editors
1. The results of the Air Cadet experience flying review will be
announced to Parliament after the recess.
2. Following these changes, the following airfields will no longer be
used for University Air Squadron Elementary Flying Training: RAF
Benson, RAF Cosford, RAF Leuchars, Colerne, RAF Leeming, Glasgow
Airport, Boscombe Down, RAF Woodvale and RAF St Athan. RAF Cranwell
will see a slight reduction in flying, due to a reduction in
instructor training, while RAF Wyton and RAF Church Fenton will see
some increase due to the establishment of new training squadrons to
meet the elementary flying training task.
3. University Air Squadrons currently have a total undergraduate
membership of some 1,000. Elementary flying training is the first
stage of RAF formal pilot training. The training is coordinated
through RAF Cranwell.
4. 21 RAF posts will be abolished as a consequence of the review. Post
holders will be moved to other duties.
5. This is one of two studies; the other focused on Air Cadet flying.
It is anticipated that the second study will bring benefits to cadets,
and these will be announced to Parliament shortly.
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