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RAPA Pilot
13th Apr 2006, 22:33
Can someone tell me about this job in the RAF
I have a late relative who was one in the late 80's early ninties. I know he trained at No1 radio school RAF Locking.
Would he have been attached to a Squadron or a specific unit on a station?
What would have been his duties?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
RP

Safety_Helmut
13th Apr 2006, 23:02
Electronics Technician (Airfield) L Tech AF. Yep that was a trade, I doubt if he would have been attached to an aircraft squadron. I believe they used to look after the various airfield electrical equipment, I'm not sure what the boundaries of this are though. I suspect it must have been stuff like airfield lighting, approach aids etc. I don't think it covered the airfield radio and radar equipment though. Hope that helps, not an authority on that trade though.

S_H

dragon166
13th Apr 2006, 23:50
The trade of L Tech AFwas one of three formed from the amalgamation of the former Ground Communications and Ground Radar trades. Their responsibility was for the maintenance of all Radio and Radar equipments used on RAF airfields, such as TACAN, ILS, etc. They were usually based close to Air Traffic Control and the section was usually referred to to as `Ground Radio'. The other trades were L Tech TC (telecomms - specialising in Telephones, teleprinters etc) and L Tech AD (air defence - specialising in Air Defence Radars, usually attached to RAF Regiment Rapier Squadrons etc). Sometime in the last few years they have all been amalgamated into a new `coverall' trade but I am not sure of its present title, other than the description of `Communications and Information Systems Specialists'.

Big Bear
14th Apr 2006, 08:59
The job that was done by LTechAF, later assimilated into EngTechEL along with LTechAD (JAFADs) and LTechTC, and now part of TG4, still does exist. However, many of the old ground radio sections are now civilianised. Expeditionary RADAR and Airfield Sqn, based, for the moment at least, at RAF Sealand, provides the RAF with the tactical element of the function.

RAPA Pilot
14th Apr 2006, 15:32
Thanks for the replies.
So if I wanted to try and contact anyone who worked with him would I have to know the RAF station he was posted and when, and what would have been the specific name of an L Tec AF section,flight or unit at that time??
Was going to try friendsreunited as a first step.
Cheers
RP

Belgium Beauty
14th Apr 2006, 17:32
RAPA Pilot
if you have some details of the course number (DAF ??, if he/she was a direct entry tech) or dates at Locking I may be able to help.
BB