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{{Short description|Flying Training School of the Royal Air Force}}
{{redirect|No. 3 Flying Training School|the Australian unit|No. 3 Flying Training School RAAF}}
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'''No. 3 Flying Training School''' is a [[Royal Air Force]] military training school, which manages elementary flying training for all three Armed Forces in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072534/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwittering/aboutus/3fts.cfm|title=No 3 Flight Training School and No. 6 Flying Training School|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=6 July 2019}}</ref> and also for the training of all non-pilot aircrew for the RAF and is home to the [[Central Flying School|CFS]] [[Grob G 115|Tutor]] Squadron.
'''No. 3 Flying Training School''' is a [[Royal Air Force]] military training school, which manages elementary flying training for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwittering/aboutus/3fts.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205072534/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwittering/aboutus/3fts.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 February 2018|title=No 3 Flight Training School and No. 6 Flying Training School|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=6 July 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> and also for the training of all non-pilot aircrew for the RAF and is home to the [[Central Flying School]] [[Grob G 115|Tutor]] Squadron.


Although the school is nominally based at RAFC Cranwell,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9E02704F-0229-3061-1A4FA2D1B685D50F|title=RAF Cranwell|publisher=Royal Air Force|accessdate=23 November 2014}}</ref> only the multi-engine pilots fly from this aerodrome, with the Navy and Army elements based at the nearby [[RAF Barkston Heath]] and the remaining trainee pilots based at [[RAF Wittering]].
Although the school is nominally based at RAFC Cranwell,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9E02704F-0229-3061-1A4FA2D1B685D50F|title=RAF Cranwell|publisher=Royal Air Force|accessdate=23 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131540/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9E02704F-0229-3061-1A4FA2D1B685D50F|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> only the multi-engine pilots and students on [[No. 57 Squadron RAF|57 Squadron]] fly from this aerodrome, with the Navy elements based at the nearby [[RAF Barkston Heath]] and the remaining trainee pilots based at [[RAF Wittering]].


==History==
==History==


===First formation===
===First formation===
No 3 FTS was first formed at Scopwick (later renamed [[RAF Digby]]) on 26 April 1920 from No 59 Training Squadron in No 3 Group. That month [[Squadron Leader]] [[Sir Arthur Harris, 1st Baronet|Arthur Harris]], later AOC-in-C Bomber Command, was jointly appointed both station and school commander. It was transferred to No 1 Group on 31 August 1921 but disbanded on 1 April 1922.
No 3 FTS was first formed at Scopwick (later renamed [[RAF Digby]]) on 26 April 1920 from No. 59 Training Squadron in No. 3 Group. That month [[Squadron Leader]] [[Sir Arthur Harris, 1st Baronet|Arthur Harris]], later AOC-in-C Bomber Command, was jointly appointed both station and school commander. It was transferred to No. 1 Group on 31 August 1921 but disbanded on 1 April 1922.


The school reformed at [[RAF Spitalgate]] near Grantham on 1 April 1928, equipped with [[Avro 504]]Ns and [[Armstrong Whitworth Siskin]]s, which were later replaced by [[Avro Tutor]]s, [[Armstrong Whitworth Atlas]]es and [[Hawker Hart]]s.
The school reformed at [[RAF Spitalgate]] near Grantham on 1 April 1928, equipped with [[Avro 504]]Ns and [[Armstrong Whitworth Siskin]]s, which were later replaced by [[Avro Tutor]]s, [[Armstrong Whitworth Atlas]]es and [[Hawker Hart]]s.


===Second formation===
===Second formation===
On 16 August 1937 the school relocated to [[RAF South Cerney]], becoming '''No 3 Service Flying Training School''' on 3 September 1939, where it remained until being redesignated '''No 3 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit''' on 1 March 1942. By the outbreak of war the school was operating Harts and [[Airspeed Oxford]]s but on 24 June 1940 it became a Group II school, specialising on twin engined training using Oxfords. During this part of its life, the school used a number of relief landing grounds including Stormy Down, Bibury, Long Newnton and Wanborough.
On 16 August 1937 the school relocated to [[RAF South Cerney]], becoming '''No. 3 Service Flying Training School''' on 3 September 1939, where it remained until being redesignated '''No. 3 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit''' on 1 March 1942. By the outbreak of war the school was operating Harts and [[Airspeed Oxford]]s but on 24 June 1940 it became a No. 2 Group school, specialising on twin engined training using Oxfords. During this part of its life, the school used a number of relief landing grounds including [[RAF Stormy Down]], [[RAF Bibury]], [[RAF Long Newnton]] and [[RAF Wanborough]].
With the end of the war No 3 (P) AFU was redesignated No 3 SFTS again on 17 December 1945 and was now equipped with [[North American T-6 Texan|Harvards]]. On 24 April 1946 the school moved to [[RAF Feltwell]] and on 9 April 1947, its title reverted to No 3 FTS and continued to operate from here until 31 May 1958 by which time it was using the [[Percival Provost]] T Mk 1.
With the end of the war No. 3 (P) AFU was redesignated No. 3 SFTS again on 17 December 1945 and was now equipped with [[North American T-6 Texan|North American Harvards]]. On 24 April 1946 the school moved to [[RAF Feltwell]] and on 9 April 1947, its title reverted to No. 3 FTS and continued to operate from here until 31 May 1958 by which time it was using the [[Percival Provost]] T.1.


===Third and Fourth formations===
===Third and Fourth formations===
It entered the jet age when it was reformed at [[RAF Leeming]] on 15 September 1961, equipped with the [[BAC Jet Provost]] T Mk 3. In 1966 it took over the Vampire Advanced Training Unit from No 7 FTS and in December of the same year became No 3 (Basic) FTS. 1971 saw control transfer from No 22 to No 23 Group and in December 1973 it took over the School of Refresher Flying from [[RAF Manby]]. In November 1974 it took over another unit when the RN Elementary Flying Training School arrived from [[RAF Church Fenton]], but with the reduction in the demand for pilots and the RAF cut back, the school was disbanded at Leeming on 26 April 1984.
It entered the jet age when it was reformed at [[RAF Leeming]] on 15 September 1961, equipped with the [[BAC Jet Provost|Hunting Aircraft Jet Provost]] T.3. In 1966 it took over the Vampire Advanced Training Unit from No. 7 FTS and in December of the same year became No. 3 (Basic) FTS. 1971 saw control transfer from No. 22 to No. 23 Group and in December 1973 it took over the School of Refresher Flying from [[RAF Manby]]. In November 1974 it took over another unit when the RN Elementary Flying Training School arrived from [[RAF Church Fenton]], but with the reduction in the demand for pilots and the RAF cut back, the school was disbanded at Leeming on 26 April 1984.


===Fifth formation===
===Fifth formation===
⚫
The school's current incarnation began on 1 February 1989 when it became part of RAF Cranwell and undertook the basic flying training of some graduates from Initial Officer Training at the co-located RAF College Cranwell, other graduates going to RAF Linton-on-Ouse. In 1995 the school took over the CFS Bulldog element, which was later replaced by the CFS Tutor element. Also in 1995 the [[British Aerospace 125|Dominie]]s and [[British Aerospace Jetstream]]s ([[No. 45 Squadron RAF|No. 45 (Reserve) Squadron)]] of [[No. 6 Flying Training School RAF|6 FTS]] were taken over on the closure of [[RAF Finningley]], with the Dominie element becoming [[No. 55 Squadron RAF|No 55 (Reserve) Squadron]] on 1 November 1996. The Dominie was withdrawn from service when WSO and WSOp training ended on 20 January 2011. Crew training is now carried out in King Airs


⚫
The school's current incarnation began on 1 February 1989 when it became part of RAF Cranwell by redesignating the flying element of the Royal Air Force College{{sfn|Lake|1999|p=175}} and undertook the basic flying training of some graduates from Initial Officer Training at the co-located RAF College Cranwell, other graduates going to RAF Linton-on-Ouse.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} [[Shorts Tucano]]s began arriving from January 1991{{sfn|March|1992|p=74}} with the last flight of the Jet Provost on 29 October 1991.{{sfn|Jackson|1995|p=10}} In 1992 the school took over the CFS Bulldog element, which was later replaced by the CFS Tutor element. Also in 1995 the [[British Aerospace 125|Hawker Siddeley Dominie]] T.1s and [[British Aerospace Jetstream]] T.1s{{sfn|March|1996|p=81}} ([[No. 45 Squadron RAF|No. 45 (Reserve) Squadron)]] of [[No. 6 Flying Training School RAF|6 FTS]] were taken over on the closure of [[RAF Finningley]], with the Dominie element becoming [[No. 55 Squadron RAF|No 55 (Reserve) Squadron]] on 1 November 1996.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}} The Short Tucano was withdrawn from 3 FTS on 31 March 1995.{{sfn|March|1996|p=79}} The Dominie was withdrawn from service when WSO and WSOp training ended on 20 January 2011. Crew training is now carried out in King Airs.
⚫
==Current Units==

⚫
==Current units==
Squadrons forming part of 3 FTS:
Squadrons forming part of 3 FTS:


Line 116: Line 103:
**'''[[No. 45 Squadron RAF|45 Squadron]]'''{{sfn|Cotter|2008|p=35}}
**'''[[No. 45 Squadron RAF|45 Squadron]]'''{{sfn|Cotter|2008|p=35}}
**'''[[No. 57 Squadron RAF|57 Squadron]]'''
**'''[[No. 57 Squadron RAF|57 Squadron]]'''
**'''[[No. 674 Squadron AAC|674 Squadron AAC]]'''
**'''[[703 Naval Air Squadron]]'''
**'''[[703 Naval Air Squadron]]'''
*[[RAF Wittering]]
*[[RAF Wittering]]
Line 122: Line 108:


Due to its proximity to, and because of, the busier circuit at RAF Cranwell, elementary flying training units use [[RAF Barkston Heath]] for a significant amount of their operations.
Due to its proximity to, and because of, the busier circuit at RAF Cranwell, elementary flying training units use [[RAF Barkston Heath]] for a significant amount of their operations.

'''[[No. 674 Squadron AAC|674 Squadron AAC]]''' formed the Army Air Corps contingent of 3 FTS up until its standing down in April 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=674 Sqn AAC - Standing Down|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-college-cranwell/news/recently-a-ceremony-was-held-at-raf-barkston-heath-to-mark-the-standing-down-of-no-674-squadron-army-air-corps-aac/|access-date=2021-05-10|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Cotter |first1=Jarrod|title=Royal Air Force celebrating 90 years |year=2008 |publisher= Key Publishing|location= [[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], UK|isbn=978-0-946219-11-7 }}
*{{cite book |last1=Jackson|first1=Paul|title=Royal Air Force |year=1995 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=0-7110-2338-7 |edition=Second }}
*{{cite book |last1=Lake |first1=Alan|title= Flying units of the RAF |year=1999 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]], UK |isbn= 1-84037-086-6 }}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=Peter&nbsp;R.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1992|year=1992|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=[[Fairford]], UK}}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=Peter&nbsp;R.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1996|year=1996|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=[[Fairford]], UK}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|No. 3 Flying Training School}}
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.rafweb.org/FTS.htm Flying Training Schools], ''Air of Authority''.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121125032445/http://www.rafweb.org/FTS.htm Flying Training Schools], ''Air of Authority''.


{{Royal Air Force}}
{{Royal Air Force}}

Latest revision as of 20:50, 6 October 2023

"No. 3 Flying Training School" redirects here. For the Australian unit, see No. 3 Flying Training School RAAF.

No. 3 Flying Training School
No. 3 Flying Training School badge
No. 3 Flying Training School badge
Active26 April 1920 – 1 April 1922
2 Apr 1928 – 3 September 1939
3 Sep 1939 – 1 March 1942
17 December 1945 – 9 April 1947
9 April 1947 – 31 May 1958
15 September 1961 – Dec 1966
Dec 1966 – 26 April 1984
1 February 1989 – present
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force Ensign Royal Air Force
TypeFlying training school
RoleElementary flying training and multi-engine pilot training
Part ofNo. 22 (Training) Group
HeadquartersRAF Cranwell
Motto(s)Achieve
AircraftEmbraer Phenom T1
Grob Tutor T1
Grob Prefect T1

No. 3 Flying Training School is a Royal Air Force military training school, which manages elementary flying training for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force[1][2] and also for the training of all non-pilot aircrew for the RAF and is home to the Central Flying School Tutor Squadron.

Although the school is nominally based at RAFC Cranwell,[3] only the multi-engine pilots and students on 57 Squadron fly from this aerodrome, with the Navy elements based at the nearby RAF Barkston Heath and the remaining trainee pilots based at RAF Wittering.

History

[edit]

First formation

[edit]

No 3 FTS was first formed at Scopwick (later renamed RAF Digby) on 26 April 1920 from No. 59 Training Squadron in No. 3 Group. That month Squadron Leader Arthur Harris, later AOC-in-C Bomber Command, was jointly appointed both station and school commander. It was transferred to No. 1 Group on 31 August 1921 but disbanded on 1 April 1922.

The school reformed at RAF Spitalgate near Grantham on 1 April 1928, equipped with Avro 504Ns and Armstrong Whitworth Siskins, which were later replaced by Avro Tutors, Armstrong Whitworth Atlases and Hawker Harts.

Second formation

[edit]

On 16 August 1937 the school relocated to RAF South Cerney, becoming No. 3 Service Flying Training School on 3 September 1939, where it remained until being redesignated No. 3 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit on 1 March 1942. By the outbreak of war the school was operating Harts and Airspeed Oxfords but on 24 June 1940 it became a No. 2 Group school, specialising on twin engined training using Oxfords. During this part of its life, the school used a number of relief landing grounds including RAF Stormy Down, RAF Bibury, RAF Long Newnton and RAF Wanborough. With the end of the war No. 3 (P) AFU was redesignated No. 3 SFTS again on 17 December 1945 and was now equipped with North American Harvards. On 24 April 1946 the school moved to RAF Feltwell and on 9 April 1947, its title reverted to No. 3 FTS and continued to operate from here until 31 May 1958 by which time it was using the Percival Provost T.1.

Third and Fourth formations

[edit]

It entered the jet age when it was reformed at RAF Leeming on 15 September 1961, equipped with the Hunting Aircraft Jet Provost T.3. In 1966 it took over the Vampire Advanced Training Unit from No. 7 FTS and in December of the same year became No. 3 (Basic) FTS. 1971 saw control transfer from No. 22 to No. 23 Group and in December 1973 it took over the School of Refresher Flying from RAF Manby. In November 1974 it took over another unit when the RN Elementary Flying Training School arrived from RAF Church Fenton, but with the reduction in the demand for pilots and the RAF cut back, the school was disbanded at Leeming on 26 April 1984.

Fifth formation

[edit]

The school's current incarnation began on 1 February 1989 when it became part of RAF Cranwell by redesignating the flying element of the Royal Air Force College[4] and undertook the basic flying training of some graduates from Initial Officer Training at the co-located RAF College Cranwell, other graduates going to RAF Linton-on-Ouse.[citation needed] Shorts Tucanos began arriving from January 1991[5] with the last flight of the Jet Provost on 29 October 1991.[6] In 1992 the school took over the CFS Bulldog element, which was later replaced by the CFS Tutor element. Also in 1995 the Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.1s and British Aerospace Jetstream T.1s[7] (No. 45 (Reserve) Squadron) of 6 FTS were taken over on the closure of RAF Finningley, with the Dominie element becoming No 55 (Reserve) Squadron on 1 November 1996.[citation needed] The Short Tucano was withdrawn from 3 FTS on 31 March 1995.[8] The Dominie was withdrawn from service when WSO and WSOp training ended on 20 January 2011. Crew training is now carried out in King Airs.

Current units

[edit]

Squadrons forming part of 3 FTS:

Due to its proximity to, and because of, the busier circuit at RAF Cranwell, elementary flying training units use RAF Barkston Heath for a significant amount of their operations.

674 Squadron AAC formed the Army Air Corps contingent of 3 FTS up until its standing down in April 2021.[2]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ "No 3 Flight Training School and No. 6 Flying Training School". Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  2. ^ a b "674 Sqn AAC - Standing Down". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  3. ^ "RAF Cranwell". Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2014.
  4. ^ Lake 1999, p. 175.
  5. ^ March 1992, p. 74.
  6. ^ Jackson 1995, p. 10.
  7. ^ March 1996, p. 81.
  8. ^ March 1996, p. 79.
  9. ^ Cotter 2008, p. 35.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Cotter, Jarrod (2008). Royal Air Force celebrating 90 years. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. ISBN 978-0-946219-11-7.
  • Jackson, Paul (1995). Royal Air Force (Second ed.). UK: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 0-7110-2338-7.
  • Lake, Alan (1999). Flying units of the RAF. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife. ISBN 1-84037-086-6.
  • March, Peter R. (1992). Royal Air Force Yearbook 1992. Fairford, UK: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
  • March, Peter R. (1996). Royal Air Force Yearbook 1996. Fairford, UK: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
[edit]
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