RNR aviator achieves 6000 hours

Reaching 6000 hours of flying is a major milestone for any aviator, but for Lieutenant Commander Ric Fox OBE Royal Navy Reserve, he achieved this tremendous milestone on the snow covered hills of Northern Norway some 200 miles inside the arctic circle.

Deploying to Norway for 6 weeks and on his 8th winter visit, Ric is part of the instructional staff teaching Front Line Sea King aircrew arctic flying skills and environmental qualifications.

Ric, who lives in Wincanton, retired from the active list last year after 34 years service and is now serving with 848 Naval Air Squadron as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor whilst also flying commercial helicopter for Vantage Aviation.

“I am delighted to be back flying a military aircraft with the RNR Air Branch and not a desk as I was in some of my last few active service assignments,” explained Ric, “the detachment to Norway marks 25 years since I first trained at Royal Norwegian Air Force Bardufoss with 845 NAS and it’s great to be back training so many gifted aviators.”

The Officer Commanding of the RN Training facility in Norway, Lt Cdr Matt Punch added, “A previous Commanding Officer of 848 NAS and Chief Of Staff in the Commando Helicopter Force Headquarters, Ric has utilised his vast aviation acumen during this deployment and provided exceptional direction to his students. Indeed, Ric was also on hand to demonstrate these attributes during a flight with Rear Admiral Philip Jones, Controller of the Navy, who was visiting Norway to gain a greater understanding of what the base offers in the way of facilities and training.”

Image shows; Lt Cdr Ric Fox OBE RNR (to the right) with Lt Cdr Matt Punch, Officer Commanding the RN Training Facility, holding a White Ensign on the snow covered hills 200 miles within the arctic circle.