Observer training in Cornwall - soon to be a thing of the past?

[squashed moth]

Can anyone elaborate on the rumours that 750 Sqn at Culdrose are no longer getting the replacement for the Jetstream next year, and that at the same time the RN hasn't got the funding to keep the ageing fleet of T2s going?

Any idea what will happen to the Squadron, its aircrew, staff and students?

I've heard lots of conflicting opinions, just wondering if anyone knows anything for certain...

Fly Safe. :)

[Tourist]

It's all true.
It has been discovered that a £50 Garmin GPS coupled with a recording of a slightly backward 2 year old can replicate the effect of carrying an observer without the weight penalty.

[airborne_artist]

Tourist - you'd need an aroma dispenser to give off that "unwashed with a hint of wee" fragrance :}

[junglie-driver]

You could always strap it to your leg...

[Tourist]

I do, but what has that got to do with observers?

[LFFC]

Flightglobal - 28 Nov 08 (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/11/28/319490/rivals-ready-to-battle-over-mfts-basic-trainer.html)

Ascent meanwhile expects to place a contract with FR Aviation next February to support operations using four Beechcraft King Air 350ER rear crew trainers for the Royal Navy. This had been planned for signature in October, but Cornfield says a "dramatic shift in the valuation of the pound" caused difficulties as the MoD committed funds to securing the aircraft.

[Triple Matched TQ]

Tourist

You would of course have to go to work - to strap it to your leg. Would you like directions of how to get there? (maybe you need an Observer):ok:

[airborne_artist]

"In 2011, as part of the nationwide United Kingdom Military Flying Training System, (UKMFTS), the Jetstream aircraft of 750 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will be replaced by the King Air 350."

Looks like some light blue directional consultants will learn all about the land of 40 kt fog:

"UKMFTS will provide state of the art training to aircrew from completion of basic training up to the point they are ready to fly in operational aircraft with the flying training of Royal Navy Observers and RAF Navigators taking place at RNAS Culdrose."

Full report (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/establishments/naval-bases-and-air-stations/rnas-culdrose/news/united-kingdom-military-flying-training-system-at-culdrose)

[Farfrompuken]

Sounds like a job for me; where do I sign up?!

[vecvechookattack]

Great news. The King air is a fab aircraft. What about Low Flying....will 750 continue to teach Low Flyng or will that be taught to Observers in the Grobs?

[Could be the last?]

I have obviously missed something here. Who in the right mind would want to work/be posted to/live in Culdrose............... It is in the arse end of nowhere and then a little bit further! and then just round the corner!:confused:

[The B Word]

Who in the right mind would want to work/be posted to/live in Culdrose

Err...Me? It's better than Lincolnshire where HM has sent me for 4 seperate flying tours and Officer Trg!

B Word :ok:

[Farfrompuken]

Could be the last:

You're absolutely right: why would I or anyone want to head to Cornwall?

I think we should perform a public service and inform people of just what a hell-hole the South Coast is down there.

NO-ONE APPLY FOR THIS JOB FOR YOUR OWN SANITY! :ok:

If they're struggling for recruits, I'll go so someone else doesn't have to.

[XV277]

Looks like some light blue directional consultants will learn all about the land of 40 kt fog:

"UKMFTS will provide state of the art training to aircrew from completion of basic training up to the point they are ready to fly in operational aircraft with the flying training of Royal Navy Observers and RAF Navigators taking place at RNAS Culdrose."


“Rather than fly the 9 Jetstream aircraft we currently have, we will be able to achieve the same quality and level of training with just 4 of the new King Air 350s.”

And instead of the Dominies as well? Or will we see another type heading down to the South West?

[airborne_artist]

Perhaps WSOs being streamed "wet" will do some/all of their training alongside the Dark Blue?

[Could be the last?]

WSOs are only streamed one of 2 ways now anyway - MRA4(Tacco) or GR4. So the chance of trg 'alongside' the RN is highly likely imho.