100 AIR POWER 201721 ST CENTURY CAPABILITIES
21 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPSsector, an increasing demand for fast-jet instructors
elsewhere and an internal tension over growing the
front line and the training system at the same time.
Perhaps the most urgent challenge is that
MFTS is currently scaled against the 2010 Strategic
Defence and Security Review (SDSR), which had
precipitated a significant reduction in the aircrew
training requirement. Reversed in the 2015 SDSR with
the additional Typhoon, Lightning, Protector and
Poseidon squadrons, the demand for trained aircrew
has risen dramatically and outstrips our planned
MFTS capacity. Hence, now is the time for innovation,
a little experimentation and for the partnership
that we have based our future upon to deliver.
Although much remains uncertain and subject
to commercial negotiation and contract amendment,we have already launched a number of initiatives that
will begin to address the various challenges. Firstly, and
part of the RAF’s training transformation programme,
Socrates, there is a renewed drive to identify, accredit
and offset in-service training where individuals have
accrued prior knowledge, skills and experience. While
there is still a need to assure ourselves that ‘Phase 0’
training can reduce time, 22 Group’s approach is to shift
to a competency-based and not course-completion
philosophy. This should lead to more tests on arrival,
accreditation where possible and training packages
to make good the ‘delta’ which, while not in
conflict with Defence’s approach to training, will
lean more heavily on instructors, managers and
leaders to our organisation’s considerable benefit.
The ability to fast-forward a pilot trainee with
100 flying hours will cut months off their time to
productivity. This is perhaps most obvious in 2 FTS –
RAF Air Cadet gliding – and 6 FTS – the UAS (Unmanned
Air System) – where both deliver formal flying training
to an accredited and auditable standard with Central
Flying School’s endorsement and oversight.
In the true spirit of transformation, we have
already raked through our syllabi in all areas. We have
exported some elementary flying training to 6 FTS
and the Tutor aircraft which, despite the challengesThe MFTS model is at a critical
juncture, mid-point in being
fielded, where arguably the
greatest challenges lie ahead
Airbus Helicopters
has been selected
to supply the H135
and H145 (pictured)
helicopters (PHOTO:
© AIRBUS SAS 2017 – ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED)