New Observers train for front line

A new course of trainees have just joined 750 Naval Air Squadron to continue their training as Naval Observers. 

Having started their aviation training on the ‘Grob Tutor’ aircraft at RAF Barkston Heath, they have now come to Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose to learn the skills that are required of a frontline ‘Tactical Mission Commander’, including airmanship, navigation and radar analysis. 

They will now spend the next few months under the wing of 750 Naval Air Squadron, the home of Royal Naval Observer training.  Their course will involve on-ground training within the Squadron’s simulators and airborne within the ‘flying classrooms’ at Culdrose – the King Air Avenger aircraft. 

The course of four includes two senior upper yardmen who transferred from being an Aircrewman and an Air Engineer to earn their Commissions and become Officer Aircrew.  Their experience of the Fleet Air Arm will be invaluable to the course, which has a very steep learning curve, preparing the students for specific training on a Merlin or Lynx helicopter in just 16 weeks. 

Course Leader, Lieutenant Kev Regan said: “The course is very excited to have started Basic Flying Training.  We are keen to get airborne and master the King Air mission system which looks very advanced and capable.  The prospect of a place on either the Merlin Mk2 or Wildcat conversion training units is a very strong motivator!” 

During the course, the students will be instructed in reversionary navigating techniques, radar search and control operations and low level flying.  They are due to finish in early July, and as an added challenge, they are training to cycle from John O’ Groats to Lands End on completion, led by their course officer, Lieutenant Rich Thorpe.